ENGLISH
REFERENCE

oldest

adj.
A1 Beginner US //ˈoʊɫdəst// UK //ˈəʊldəst// old·est

adj. having lived or existed for the longest time compared to others in a group. You use this to talk about the first-born child or the most ancient building.

adj. the superlative form of old, indicating the greatest age or longest duration of existence within a specific set. Typically used for people, objects, or institutions.


SIMPLE

She is the oldest student in the class.

CONTEXTUAL

The oldest tree in the park was planted over two hundred years ago by the city's founders.

COMPLEX

Archaeologists recently uncovered the oldest known examples of cave paintings in the region, providing a rare glimpse into the symbolic lives of early humans.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

As a superlative adjective, it is almost always preceded by the definite article 'the'.

Pitfall

He is the most old person hereHe is the oldest person hereOne-syllable adjectives form the superlative with the suffix '-est' rather than the word 'most'.

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