Dictionary monolingual
English
Old
oʊld
Extremely common
100 - 200
100 - 200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Old -
Having lived for a long time; not young
Example: My grandmother is very old.
Usage: formalContext: describing age
Note: Commonly used to indicate advanced age
Of a specified age
Example: She is six years old.
Usage: formalContext: stating age
Note: Used to specify the age of a person or thing
Belonging to a past time; no longer in existence
Example: That's an old tradition.
Usage: informalContext: referring to traditions or customs
Note: Can refer to customs, practices, or objects from the past
Experienced or familiar with something
Example: He is an old hand at computer programming.
Usage: informalContext: referring to expertise
Note: Used to describe someone who is skilled or knowledgeable in a particular area
Old's synonyms
Aged
Aged refers to someone or something that is old, usually with the implication of being advanced in years or showing signs of age.
Example: The aged man shared his wisdom with the younger generation.
Note: Aged specifically emphasizes the advanced years or appearance of something or someone.
Elderly
Elderly describes people who are old, typically in a more polite or respectful manner, often implying advanced age and sometimes frailty.
Example: The elderly couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Note: Elderly is a more formal and respectful term used to describe older individuals.
Ancient
Ancient refers to something that is very old, often with a sense of historical significance or belonging to a distant past.
Example: The ancient ruins of the city date back to Roman times.
Note: Ancient is used to describe things that are not just old but also have a long history or are from a distant time period.
Vintage
Vintage describes something that is from a previous era and is considered classic or of high quality.
Example: She collects vintage clothing from the 1950s.
Note: Vintage often refers to items that are old but have retained their quality or style, making them desirable or valuable.
Mature
Mature describes someone or something that has developed fully or reached a state of completeness, often implying wisdom or sophistication.
Example: His mature outlook on life impressed his colleagues.
Note: Mature can be used to describe not just age but also a level of development or sophistication.
Old expressions, common phrases
Old as the hills
This phrase means something very old or ancient.
Example: That joke is as old as the hills.
Note: The phrase 'old as the hills' emphasizes extreme old age compared to just saying 'old.'
Old hat
When something is considered outdated or no longer fashionable.
Example: Wearing bell-bottoms is so old hat.
Note: In contrast to just 'old,' 'old hat' specifically refers to something that is out of style.
Old hand
Someone who is experienced or skilled at something due to having done it for a long time.
Example: She's an old hand at solving these types of problems.
Note: While 'old' may refer simply to age, 'old hand' implies expertise or familiarity in a particular area.
Old flame
Refers to a former romantic partner or love interest.
Example: I bumped into an old flame at the reunion.
Note: 'Old flame' specifically denotes a past romantic relationship, whereas 'old' on its own does not carry that connotation.
Old school
Refers to traditional or conventional ways of doing things.
Example: He prefers old school teaching methods.
Note: 'Old school' emphasizes a traditional approach or style in contrast to just 'old.'
Old wives' tale
A traditional belief or story that is often untrue or based on superstition.
Example: Don't believe everything you hear; it might just be an old wives' tale.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to myths or superstitions passed down through generations, not just anything old.
Old hand at
Someone who is very experienced or skilled at doing something.
Example: He's an old hand at playing the guitar.
Note: This phrase highlights a person's expertise or proficiency in a particular activity, going beyond just being 'old.'
Old fogey
A person who is old-fashioned, conservative, or set in their ways.
Example: He's such an old fogey when it comes to technology.
Note: 'Old fogey' is a more derogatory term compared to just saying 'old,' as it implies being rigid or out of touch.
Old everyday (slang) expressions
Old man
Refers to someone's father or husband.
Example: My old man loves fishing on weekends.
Note: The slang term specifically refers to a father or husband, not just any older man.
Old lady
Refers to someone's mother or wife.
Example: I'm going out to dinner with my old lady tonight.
Note: The slang term specifically refers to a mother or wife, not just any older woman.
Old timer
Refers to a person who has been around for a long time and is experienced.
Example: The old-timer at the bar always has great stories to tell.
Note: The slang term implies experience and longevity, not just someone who is older in age.
Old reliable
Refers to something or someone that is consistently dependable or trustworthy.
Example: My old reliable car never lets me down.
Note: The slang term emphasizes the reliability or trustworthiness aspect, not just the age.
Old school tie
Refers to an informal network of alumni from prestigious or exclusive schools or universities.
Example: He got the job through his old school tie connections.
Note: The slang term highlights the social connections and influence associated with attending certain schools, not just the age of the tie.
Old boy network
Refers to an informal system of mutual assistance and connections among male alumni of certain schools or universities.
Example: He got the promotion thanks to the old boy network in the company.
Note: Similar to 'old school tie,' this term emphasizes the network of connections and influence, not just the age of the individuals involved.
Old bean
An affectionate or informal way to address someone, typically used to express sympathy or support.
Example: Cheer up, old bean! It's not the end of the world.
Note: The slang term is a playful or endearing way of addressing someone, not just focusing on their age.
Old - Examples
I have an old car.
She found an old book in the library.
He lives in an old house in the countryside.
They bought some old furniture at the flea market.
Old grammar
Old - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: old
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): older, elder
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): oldest, eldest
Adjective (Adjective): old
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): olds
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): old
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Old Contains 1 syllables: old
Phonetic transcription: ˈōld
old , ˈōld (The red syllable is stressed)
Old - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Old: 100 - 200 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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