# older

/ˈoʊɫdɝ/ (US) · /ˈəʊldɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/older
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. more old

adjective · CEFR A1

having lived for more time than someone else, or having existed longer than something else.

For teachers: the comparative degree of 'old', indicating a greater duration of existence or life relative to another entity.

- My sister is three years older than me, so she started school first.
- The architect noted that the foundation of the east wing was significantly older than the rest of the manor house.

Usage: Followed by 'than' when comparing two specific things.

### 2. elderly

adjective · CEFR B1

a polite way to describe people who are in the later part of their lives.

For teachers: used as a euphemistic or polite descriptor for people who are advanced in age.

- The community centre offers special exercise classes for older adults.
- Public health initiatives often focus on the specific nutritional requirements of older populations to ensure long-term mobility.

Usage: Often used as 'older people' or 'older adults' to sound more respectful than 'old'.

## Examples

- My brother is three years older than me.
- The older buildings in the city center require more maintenance than the modern apartments on the outskirts.
- While the newer model offers faster processing speeds, the older version remains the preferred choice for professionals who value mechanical reliability over digital features.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.