younger
- 01 A1 Beginner
adj.having lived for less time than someone else.
adj.the comparative form of 'young', indicating a lesser age relative to another person or group.
Simple“My younger brother is still in primary school while I am at university.”
In context“The younger generation of researchers tends to be more comfortable with data-driven methodologies than their predecessors.”
UsageFollowed by 'than' when making a direct comparison.
PitfallHe is more younger than me. He is younger than me.Do not use 'more' with 'younger' because the '-er' ending already means 'more'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.used after a person's name to show they are the son of someone with the same name.
adj.used as a postpositive modifier or title to distinguish a son from a father with the identical name.
Simple“The book was written by William Pitt the Younger.”
In context“Historians often distinguish between the two politicians by referring to the son as 'the Younger' to avoid confusion in archival records.”
UsageUsually placed after the name and preceded by 'the'.
Teacher's tipThis is mostly found in history books or formal biographies; in everyday American English, 'Junior' is much more common.
SynonymsAntonymsthe elder - 03 C1 Advanced
n.someone who is not as old as you or someone else.
n.a person of lesser age than another, often used in the plural to describe a group.
Simple“She was always very kind to her youngers at the sports club.”
In context“It was once considered a social requirement to show deference to one's elders and set a moral example for one's youngers.”
UsageOften used in the plural form 'youngers' or in the phrase 'one's youngers'.
Teacher's tipThis noun use is quite rare in modern conversation; students will mostly encounter it in older literature or very formal speeches.
SynonymsAntonyms
Usage younger brother · younger people · younger generations