老人
An elderly person is someone who has lived for a long time and is now in the later stages of life.
Explanation at your level:
An elderly person is an old person. They are usually a grandmother or grandfather. They have lived for a long time. You should be nice to them. They have many stories to tell you. It is a polite word to use.
An elderly person is someone who is at an advanced age. We often use this word to show respect. For example, you might help an elderly person cross the street. It is a very common and kind way to talk about age.
Using the term elderly person is a way to describe someone who is in the later stages of life. It is more formal than saying 'old person.' You will see this term in news articles about health care or community support for seniors. It is neutral and polite.
The term elderly person is a standard, respectful descriptor in English. While some people prefer 'senior' or 'older adult,' 'elderly' remains widely understood. It carries a nuance of fragility or need for care, which is why it is frequently used in social work or medical contexts.
In academic or sociological discourse, elderly person acts as a formal demographic identifier. It is often contrasted with 'younger adults' or 'middle-aged' cohorts. The term is useful for maintaining a clinical or professional register when discussing aging populations or social policy.
The usage of elderly person reflects a cultural emphasis on euphemistic language regarding the aging process. By utilizing 'elderly,' speakers soften the potential harshness of 'old,' aligning with societal norms that prioritize dignity. It is a staple in formal reportage, though writers occasionally opt for 'senior' to avoid any perceived implication of frailty.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Respectful term for older people.
- Used as a noun phrase.
- Common in formal contexts.
- Focuses on life stage.
When we talk about an elderly person, we are referring to someone who has lived for many years. It is a respectful way to describe someone who is in the later stages of their life, often someone who is retired or has grandchildren.
Using the term elderly is generally considered polite and sensitive. It focuses on the stage of life rather than just the number of years lived. It is a great way to show respect for the wisdom and experience that comes with age.
The word elderly comes from the Old English word eald, which simply means 'old.' Over time, the suffix -ly was added to describe the quality of being old.
Historically, the term has evolved to become a standard, neutral way to describe age. While older terms like 'aged' or 'old man' might sometimes sound blunt, elderly person was adopted to provide a more dignified and formal way to address our seniors in society.
You will often hear elderly person used in formal settings, such as news reports, medical discussions, or when talking about senior care. It is much more common than just saying 'an old person,' which can sometimes sound a bit rude or dismissive.
Common phrases include caring for an elderly person or the needs of elderly persons. It is a standard term that fits well in almost any context where you want to be polite and clear.
While 'elderly person' is a direct term, we often use idioms to describe age. Golden years refers to the time after retirement. Long in the tooth is a lighthearted way to say someone is getting old. Full of years is a respectful, slightly poetic way to describe someone who has lived a long life.
Another common expression is senior citizen, which is a very standard term used in government and social services. Finally, in one's twilight years refers to the very end of a person's life, used with deep respect.
The phrase elderly person functions as a noun phrase. You can make it plural by saying elderly people. Note that 'elderly' itself is an adjective, so you almost always need to follow it with a noun like 'person' or 'people'.
The pronunciation is EL-der-lee PER-sun. The stress is on the first syllable of 'elderly.' Rhyming words include merely, clearly, and nearly for the first part of the phrase.
Fun Fact
The word 'elder' originally meant 'older' as a comparative.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'EL-duh-lee PUR-sun'.
Sounds like 'EL-dur-lee PUR-sun'.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'th' in person.
- Ignoring the 'r' sound in elderly.
- Stressing the wrong syllable.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy
Moderate
Moderate
Easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun phrases
The elderly person
Adjective usage
Elderly man
Subject-verb agreement
The elderly person is
Examples by Level
The elderly person is kind.
The old person is nice.
Subject + verb + adjective.
I help the elderly person.
I assist the old person.
Verb + object.
She is an elderly person.
She is an old woman.
Article + adjective + noun.
The elderly person smiles.
The old person is smiling.
Present simple verb.
I see an elderly person.
I look at an old person.
Basic sentence structure.
The elderly person walks.
The old person is walking.
Subject-verb agreement.
That elderly person is nice.
That old person is good.
Demonstrative pronoun.
Help the elderly person.
Give aid to the old person.
Imperative sentence.
The elderly person told a great story.
We visited the elderly person today.
The elderly person lives in that house.
I respect every elderly person.
The elderly person enjoys the park.
Many elderly persons need help.
An elderly person sat near me.
The elderly person is very wise.
The community center provides meals for every elderly person.
It is important to listen to the advice of an elderly person.
The elderly person shared his memories of the war.
She dedicated her life to caring for the elderly person.
The elderly person was grateful for the assistance.
We must consider the needs of the elderly person.
Every elderly person deserves dignity and respect.
The elderly person walked with a cane.
The policy aims to improve the quality of life for the average elderly person.
Many view the elderly person as a pillar of wisdom in the community.
It is a challenge to ensure every elderly person has access to healthcare.
The elderly person remained active despite her age.
Society often overlooks the contributions of the elderly person.
The elderly person was a fountain of historical knowledge.
We should advocate for the rights of the elderly person.
The elderly person lived a long and fulfilling life.
The demographic shift suggests an increase in the number of the elderly person cohort.
The elderly person's perspective provided a unique insight into the historical event.
Policies must be tailored to the specific requirements of the elderly person.
The elderly person exhibited remarkable resilience throughout the crisis.
We must address the isolation often faced by the elderly person.
The elderly person's legacy continues to influence the family.
Public health initiatives focus on the elderly person's well-being.
The elderly person's wisdom is an invaluable asset.
The elderly person, having witnessed a century of change, offered a profound reflection.
Institutional care for the elderly person requires both compassion and expertise.
The elderly person's narrative was a testament to human endurance.
Societal attitudes toward the elderly person have evolved significantly over the decades.
The elderly person is often the repository of cultural traditions.
We must ensure the elderly person is not marginalized in modern discourse.
The elderly person's presence added gravity to the proceedings.
The elderly person represents a bridge between the past and the future.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"Golden years"
Retirement years
He is enjoying his golden years.
neutral"Long in the tooth"
Getting old
He's a bit long in the tooth for that.
casual"Full of years"
Very old and wise
She was full of years and grace.
literary"Senior citizen"
Official term for older person
She gets a discount as a senior citizen.
neutral"Twilight years"
Final years of life
He spent his twilight years painting.
literary"Old-school"
Traditional
He has an old-school way of thinking.
casualEasily Confused
Similar meaning.
Old is blunt, elderly is polite.
He is old vs. He is an elderly person.
Both mean older.
Senior is often a title.
He is a senior citizen.
Same root.
Elder is a title or noun.
He is an elder of the church.
Means old.
Aged can sound like 'expired'.
The aged wine vs. The elderly person.
Sentence Patterns
The elderly person + verb
The elderly person walked home.
Help the elderly person + verb
Help the elderly person sit down.
An elderly person + who + verb
An elderly person who lives alone.
It is kind to + verb + an elderly person
It is kind to assist an elderly person.
The needs of the elderly person + verb
The needs of the elderly person are important.
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
You need a noun after the adjective.
Elderly is only for people.
Elderly is an adjective, no plural 's'.
Age does not always mean illness.
Opposite meaning.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine your grandparents.
Use it politely
Always use it with respect.
Cultural respect
Age is valued.
Noun phrase
Always add 'person'.
Clear sounds
Say the 'ly' clearly.
No plural 's'
Don't say elderlys.
Did you know?
It comes from 'eald'.
Read news
See how news uses it.
Be specific
Use it to add detail.
Practice
Say it in a sentence.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Elderly = Elder + ly (like a wise elder).
Visual Association
A grandparent sitting in a rocking chair.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe a grandparent using this word.
Word Origin
Old English
Original meaning: Old
Cultural Context
Avoid using 'old' in a derogatory way; 'elderly' is safer.
Used with respect; often associated with retirement communities.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At a nursing home
- Care for
- Support
- Visit
In a park
- Walking
- Sitting
- Reading
At a hospital
- Treatment
- Doctor
- Checkup
At a family dinner
- Grandparent
- Story
- Respect
Conversation Starters
"How do you treat an elderly person in your country?"
"What can we learn from an elderly person?"
"Is it important to help an elderly person?"
"What are the challenges for an elderly person today?"
"Do you know an interesting elderly person?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you helped an elderly person.
Why is it important to respect an elderly person?
Describe an elderly person you admire.
How has your view of aging changed?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is respectful.
No, it is incorrect.
Yes, mostly.
When talking about older people.
No.
Not necessarily.
Yes, a noun phrase.
Yes.
Test Yourself
The ___ person is very kind.
Elderly describes age.
Which word is a synonym for elderly?
Senior means old.
Elderly person can be used for a car.
Elderly is for people.
Word
Meaning
Idiom match.
Standard order.
Score: /5
Summary
Always use 'elderly person' to show respect when speaking about someone of advanced age.
- Respectful term for older people.
- Used as a noun phrase.
- Common in formal contexts.
- Focuses on life stage.
Memory Palace
Imagine your grandparents.
Use it politely
Always use it with respect.
Cultural respect
Age is valued.
Noun phrase
Always add 'person'.
Example
公园里有很多老人在散步。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
一点儿
A1a little, a bit
一会儿
A1a moment, a while
一部分
B1part; portion; minority
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
