elders

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'elders' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to respected, older members of a community or family. For example, "The elders of the village gathered to discuss the current situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and pay our respects to the Elders past and present.

The Guardian

A group of Indigenous leaders and elders has branded as racist the South Australian government's decision to suspend the executive board of traditional landowners and appoint an administrator.

The Guardian

"For us it's rude [for women] to just get up and talk without permission from the elders".

The Guardian - Arts

Deo sits in a clearing, explaining his work to a group of cautiously interested elders.

The Guardian

Indeed, witness the protest during Pearson's speech by some, including elders, in Brisbane recently, where the Cape York Group chairman was told he certainly did not speak for Indigenous people.

The Guardian - Opinion

That chook gonna get his head cut off – he's gonna be for dinner for sure Children attending Nawarrddeken Academy will be taught in traditional language a syllabus developed with community elders alongside the Australian curriculum.

The Guardian

We want to place calls to them in a language that they understand, and get people who have the same belief system as them – like elders and religious leaders – to convince them to change their behaviours.

The Guardian

Residents' concerns have been outlined in a petition sent to the chief minister, Adam Giles, the local government and community services minister, Bess Price, and the federal Indigenous affairs minister, Nigel Scullion, and signed by 135 elders and senior people.

The Guardian

Perhaps there should be a deliberate broadening of view through a council of elders, people trusted by all like Jenny Macklin, who could report regularly and publicly on their assessment of the contributions of shadow ministers and caucus colleagues to the collective work of the opposition.

The Guardian

Community elders, dressed in white shawls and turbans, stood close by.

The Guardian

In the next four months alone they're taking part in a relay marathon in Redbridge (east London), a relay from Birmingham to London, attempting to notch up yet more records at the Norway KnarvikMila where times are age-weighted, and they are joining a British team with a total age of 1,000 years at the Toronto Waterfront marathon to challenge a team of Canadian elders over a 5km course.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to "elders" in a specific cultural context, research and use the appropriate terms of respect within that culture.

Common error

Not all older people are considered "elders". The term usually implies respect, wisdom, and a specific role within a community. Be mindful of this connotation.

Linguistic Context

The term "elders" functions primarily as a noun, referring to respected older individuals within a community. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts, from indigenous communities to political groups.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "elders" is a grammatically correct noun frequently used to denote respected senior members of a community. As evidenced by Ludwig, its contexts range from indigenous communities to political spheres, conveying respect, authority, and tradition. While adaptable to neutral registers, it is essential to use the term mindfully, recognizing that not all older individuals are considered "elders" in the traditional, honorific sense. Common alternatives include "senior members" and "community leaders", each carrying nuanced implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Senior members

Focuses on rank or position within a group rather than age or respect.

Community leaders

Highlights the leadership role within a specific community.

Respected figures

Emphasizes the esteem and admiration held by others.

Senior citizens

Specifically refers to older individuals, primarily based on age.

Ancestors

Refers to forebears or predecessors in a family line.

Experienced individuals

Focuses on the depth of knowledge and skill gained over time.

Advisory council

Refers to a group that offers guidance and recommendations.

Tribal chiefs

Specifically refers to leaders within a tribal community.

Wise men

Highlights the wisdom and insight attributed to older individuals.

Ancestral guides

Refers to elders who lead based on tradition and cultural knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "elders" in a sentence?

The term "elders" typically refers to respected, older members of a community or family. For example, "The elders of the tribe convened to discuss important matters."

What is an alternative to saying "elders"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "senior members", "community leaders", or "respected figures".

Is it correct to use "elders" to refer to any older person?

While "elders" refers to older individuals, it specifically implies respect, wisdom, and a recognized position within a community. It's not appropriate for all older people. Consider using "senior citizens" or "older people" in other contexts.

What's the difference between "elders" and "ancestors"?

"Elders" refers to living members of a community who hold respected positions due to their age and wisdom, while "ancestors" refers to deceased predecessors in a family or lineage.