older
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective (Comparative form of 'old'):
- Having lived or existed for a greater length of time: Used to compare the age of two or more entities, indicating one has a greater age than another.
- Of an earlier or previous time: Denoting something from a prior period or generation.
- Used to distinguish between two related people with the same name: Specifically indicates the elder of the two, such as a father versus a son.
Usage and Examples
Basic Comparative Usage:
- My brother is older than me by three years.
- This building is much older than the one across the street.
Referring to People with Experience or Advanced Age:
- The older employees mentored the new hires.
- She sought advice from an older and wiser friend.
Distinguishing Between Namesakes:
- William Jones, Older, attended the meeting with his son. (Note: 'Sr.' is the more common abbreviation, but 'Older' can be used descriptively in this context).
Advanced Usage and Nuances
"older" vs. "elder": While both compare age, 'elder' is often used specifically for people, particularly within a family or group, and can imply seniority or respect. 'Older' is the more general, neutral comparative form applicable to people, animals, and objects.
- My elder sister advised me. (Focus on familial seniority)
- This is the older of the two models. (General age comparison)
Implicit Comparison: Often used where the second item in the comparison is implied or stated earlier.
- Between the two paintings, I prefer the older one.
Variants and Related Words
- Old (adj): The base form, meaning having lived for a long time or no longer young.
- Oldest (adj): The superlative form, meaning having the greatest age among three or more.
- Elder (adj, n): Used for people, often in family contexts (e.g., elder brother) or to denote seniority.
- Senior (adj, n): Of a higher age or longer service; often used formally (e.g., senior citizen).
Synonyms
- More advanced in years
- Elder (for people)
- Senior
Antonyms
- Younger
- Junior
Common Phrases and Constructions
Older than: The standard comparative structure.
- He looks older than his actual age.
Get/Grow older: To age, to become older.
- As we get older, our perspectives often change.
The older generation: Refers to people from a previous era.
- We can learn much from the older generation.
Adjective
- skilled through long experience
- an old offender
- the older soldiers
- used of the older of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a father from his son
- Bill Adams, Sr.
- advanced in years; (`aged' is pronounced as two syllables)
- aged members of the society
- elderly residents could remember the construction of the first skyscraper
- senior citizen