Old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence Older typically refers to something or someone that is relatively advanced in age compared to others Ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.
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Older, elder imply having greater age than something or someone else
Older is the usual form of the comparative of old
This building is older than that one. Older look up older in wiktionary, the free dictionary Older is the comparative form of old As such, older is not just a euphemism for the blunter old but rather a more precise term for someone between middle and advanced age
And unlike elderly, older does not particularly suggest frailness or infirmity, making it the natural choice in many situations. You can use the adjective older to describe elderly folks (like your older neighbors who don't drive at night any more) or a person who was born first Her older sister was much bossier than her younger sister. Synonyms older, elder imply having greater age than something or someone else
This building is older than that one
Elder, now greatly restricted in application, is used chiefly to indicate seniority in age as between any two people but especially priority of birth as between children born of. There are five meanings listed in oed's entry for the word older, one of which is labelled obsolete See ‘meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Learn the meaning of older with clear definitions and helpful usage examples.
My older brother and i are catholic twins He's older by eleven months, not quite a year older than me.
