Definition

1. Noun:
   • The period of time or age range from approximately 85 to 89 years old: Refers specifically to the middle part of the ninth decade of a person's life, typically considered to be the years 85 through 89.
   • The historical period around the years 1985-1989: Can also refer to the middle years of the decade of the 1980s.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Age):

  • Her grandmother remained remarkably active throughout her mid-eighties.
  • The study focused on cognitive changes in adults in their mid-eighties.

• Noun (Historical Period):

  • The technology boom of the mid-eighties changed the business landscape.
  • That fashion trend was popular in the mid-eighties.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in one's mid-eighties": to be approximately 85 to 89 years old.

  • The renowned author, now in her mid-eighties, has just published a new memoir.

• "during the mid-eighties": in the period around 1985-1989.

  • During the mid-eighties, many classic synth-pop albums were released.

Variants and Related Words

• Mid-eightieth (adj): Pertaining to the middle of the eighties (either age or decade).
  • He celebrated his mid-eightieth birthday with family.
• Early eighties: The period from ages 80-84 or the years 1980-1984.
• Late eighties: The period from ages 86-89 or the years 1986-1989.

Synonyms

• Mid-80s: An abbreviated form with identical meaning.
• Eighty-five to eighty-nine: A more precise numerical description for the age range.

Notes on Meaning

This noun has two distinct but parallel meanings: 1. Demographic/Age Meaning: Central to discussions of gerontology, life stages, and biography. 2. Historical/Chronological Meaning: Used in cultural, economic, and historical analysis to specify a sub-period within the 1980s. The intended meaning is usually clear from context.

Noun

1. the time of life between 80 and 90