elderly
gb/ˈɛldɚli/ us/ˈɛldɚli/
A2
English
~ 1900
idős, idősek
A2
1
idős
A2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is elderly
The elderly woman walked slowly across the street.
Az idős asszony lassan átkelt az úton.
Many elderly people enjoy gardening.
Sok idős ember szeret kertészkedni.
He volunteers at a center for the elderly.
The city has programs to help its elderly residents.
Learner examples
The elderly man lives alone.
Az idős férfi egyedül él.
She helps an elderly neighbor.
Segít egy idős szomszédjának.
I saw an elderly couple in the park.
The bus has seats for elderly people.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'elderly' with 'elder', which is more formal or refers to a respected older person in a community.
Meaning
Old, usually past middle age
Collocations
elderly man
|elderly woman
|elderly couple
|care for the elderly
|elderly population
Synonyms
aged (Neutral, formal-sounding; often used in official contexts.)
|
senior (Common in American English, sometimes implying respect.)
Antonyms
young (Refers to someone in the early part of life, the opposite of elderly.)
Themes
age
|people
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Definition
Old in age, usually past middle age.
Being advanced in age, typically referring to a person who is past middle age and often retired.
NOUN
A2
2
idősek
A2
Usage pattern:
the elderly
The government is improving healthcare for the elderly.
A kormány javítja az idősek egészségügyi ellátását.
The park has benches designed for the elderly.
A parkban az idősek számára tervezett padok vannak.
Programs for the elderly are funded by local taxes.
Learner examples
The city helps the elderly.
A város segíti az időseket.
The home cares for the elderly.
Az otthon az idősekről gondoskodik.
We visit the elderly at Christmas.
Common mistake:
Some learners mistakenly add an 's' and say 'elderlies', which is incorrect in standard English.
Meaning
Older people collectively
Collocations
care for the elderly
|rights of the elderly
|services for the elderly
Synonyms
seniors (Common in American English; can sound more respectful.)
Antonyms
youth (Refers to young people collectively.)
Themes
age
|society
|core_vocabulary
|relationships
Definition
People who are old, seen as a group.
Older people considered as a group.
Grammar
Dictionary form
elderly
IPA
GB/ˈɛldɚli/
US/ˈɛldɚli/
Syllables & stress
eld - erly (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (eld)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: elderly
Noun
- Base: elderly
- Plural: elderlies, elderly
Word family
Expressions
care for the elderly
1/kˈɛɹ fɚ ðə ˈɛldɚli/
fixed phrase
Help and support old people
To give help and support to old people.
Examples
- She works for an organization that cares for the elderly.
- Caring for the elderly can be both rewarding and challenging.
elderly care
1/ˈɛldɚli kˈɛɹ/
fixed phrase
Services for older people
Help and services given to old people.
Examples
- Elderly care is becoming an important issue in many countries.
- She is studying nursing with a focus on elderly care.
homes for the elderly
1/hˈoʊmz fɚ ðə ˈɛldɚli/
fixed phrase
Residences for old people needing care
Places where old people live and get help if they cannot live alone.
Examples
- Many homes for the elderly offer medical services.
- They visited a home for the elderly to volunteer.