elder
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a person who is older than you, often someone you should respect.
n.a person of greater age than another, often used in the plural to refer to one's seniors or ancestors.
Simple“In many cultures, children are taught to listen to their elders.”
In context“The community gathered to hear the wisdom of their elders before making a decision about the new land laws.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.an important leader in a tribe or a small community who gives advice.
n.an influential member of a tribe or community, respected for their experience and authority in consultative or ceremonial roles.
Simple“The village elders met to discuss how to fix the water pump.”
In context“The tribal elders served as the final arbiters in disputes regarding traditional boundaries and inheritance rights.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person who has a special job or high rank in a church.
n.an ordained or appointed official in certain Christian denominations, often responsible for administration or spiritual guidance.
Simple“He was appointed as an elder in his local church last Sunday.”
In context“The council of elders convened to review the theological curriculum for the upcoming missionary training programme.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
n.a small tree that has white flowers and dark purple berries.
n.a shrub or small tree of the genus Sambucus, typically bearing clusters of small white flowers and dark berries.
Simple“We picked berries from the elder tree to make homemade jam.”
In context“The elder is widely valued in traditional medicine for its flowers and fruit, though the raw leaves and stems are mildly toxic.”
Synonymselderberry - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.used to describe the older of two people, especially in a family.
adj.denoting the older of two related people, or the senior of two people with the same name.
Simple“The elder sister took care of the family business after their father retired.”
In context“The elder Pitt was a formidable orator whose influence dominated British politics during the mid-eighteenth century.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes.
PitfallHe is my elder brother. He is my older brother.While 'elder' is used as a title or to compare two specific people (the elder son), 'older' is the standard adjective for age in modern English.
“Lewis is survived by their elder son, David.”
“The elder Sherman and Harpo were friends, and they did two shows together in January 1963 in Santa Monica and Pasadena.”