elder

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "elder" is correct and is used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is more senior in age or rank than another, such as in the sentence: "The elder of the two brothers was given the responsibility of leading the family business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The elder Perosi said he will keep working, but "a lot less, and do some investing for the future of my nieces and nephews and my grandchildren, hopefully".

The Guardian

Lazarus Baushe, an elder of the Wagga community, said: "They left 1,500 naira (£5.67) and some kola nuts in each home where they seized a woman, apparently as a bride price".

The Guardian

Twenty years ago, he was a pupil at the school when it was held in the house of a village elder who liked teaching.

The Guardian

Last year, Yawuru elder and National Museum council member Peter Yu told me, "It would become like a beacon of conscience, where it reminds us of the importance of history and what we can do to each other, but where we can learn from what we've done to each other.

The Guardian

After the murders, Dr Russell moved to north Wales with his elder daughter, Josie, who was with her mother and sister when Stone attacked.

The Guardian

He is the youngest of seven children, with an elder brother who was a militant miner.

The Guardian - Film

Tom Rosenthal is the perfect choice to play crap-haired milquetoast Alfred the Great, thrust on to the throne after the deaths of all four of his elder brothers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However, Giles's promise rings hollow in Milingimbi, an elder and spokesman, Nakarrma Mark Guyula, told Guardian Australia.

The Guardian

Indeed, if English Euroscepticism has an elder statesman - and most prominent Eurosceptics are men — it is surely the 74 year-old Conservative MP (Sir) Bill Cash.

The Guardian

Scullion said more should be done to ensure Indigenous children went to school and that he was open to changes, proposed by a senior Yolngu elder, to the Northern Land Council to allow Indigenous people more say on what happens on their land.

The Guardian

It was the elder boy who did the killing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elder" as an adjective to denote the older of two individuals, like "the elder brother".

Common error

Avoid using "elder" as a general term for all old people. It typically implies a position of respect or authority within a specific group or community. Using "older person" or "senior citizen" is more appropriate in general contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "elder" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an older, respected member of a community or organization. It can also function as an adjective, denoting the older of two people. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of "elder" in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "elder" is a versatile term with a strong association with respect and authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions primarily as a noun or adjective, denoting an older, respected member of a community or the older of two individuals. Its usage is very common, particularly in news and media, and its tone is generally neutral to formal. When using "elder", remember to consider the specific context and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of seniority and respect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

older adult

A more neutral and respectful term for an older person.

senior citizen

Refers specifically to an older person, often retired.

experienced leader

Highlights the leadership role often associated with seniority.

respected figure

Emphasizes the esteem held by the individual, often due to age and wisdom.

seasoned professional

Focuses on professional experience and expertise.

veteran

Implies long service or experience, often in a specific field.

sage

Emphasizes wisdom and knowledge gained through age.

patriarch

Refers to a male elder who is the head of a family or tribe.

matriarch

Refers to a female elder who is the head of a family or tribe.

ancestor

Refers to a forebear or progenitor.

FAQs

How can I use "elder" in a sentence?

You can use "elder" as a noun to refer to a respected older member of a community, as in "The village elder advised the community", or as an adjective to indicate the older of two people, as in "He is the elder of the two brothers".

What's the difference between "elder" and "older"?

"Elder" often implies respect and authority associated with age, especially within a community or group, whereas "older" simply refers to someone of a more advanced age.

What can I say instead of "elder" when referring to an old person?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "senior citizen", "older adult", or "respected figure".

Is it correct to use "elderlies" as a plural form of "elder"?

The term "elderlies" is generally not considered standard English. The correct plural form of "elder" is "elders", especially when referring to multiple individuals holding the position of elder within a community or organization. It's better to use phrases such as "older people" rather than "elderlies".