methuselah
Học thuậtThân thiện
A wise Methuselah sits beneath an ancient olive tree, stroking his long white beard.
Definition
- Noun:
- A man who is very old: "Methuselah" can refer to any man of extremely advanced age, often used figuratively to denote great longevity.
- (Biblical) A patriarch: In the Old Testament, Methuselah is a figure described as the grandfather of Noah, renowned for living 969 years, making his name synonymous with extreme old age.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- At 102 years old, the village elder was considered a real Methuselah. (Referring to a man of very great age.)
- According to the Bible, Methuselah was the oldest man who ever lived. (Referring to the specific biblical patriarch.)
Advanced Usage
- Used as a metaphor: The name is commonly used as a metaphor or epithet for anyone or anything that is remarkably old or has lasted a very long time.
- That ancient oak tree is a Methuselah of the forest.
- The veteran actor is a Methuselah of the stage.
Variants and Related Words
- Methuselah-like (adjective): Having the characteristics of Methuselah, i.e., being extremely old or long-lasting.
- The scientist studied the Methuselah-like tortoises on the island.
Synonyms
- Patriarch: A venerable old man, often the male head of a family or tribe.
- Nonagenarian: A person who is between 90 and 99 years old.
- Centenarian: A person who is 100 years old or older.
Related Phrases
- As old as Methuselah: An idiom meaning extremely old.
- That folklore tale is as old as Methuselah.
A wise Methuselah sits beneath an ancient olive tree, stroking his long white beard.
Noun
- a man who is very old
- (Old Testament) a patriarch (grandfather of Noah) who is said to have lived 969 years