Laxi Dictionary

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Definition elderly in British English

elderly adjective

adjective
/ˈeldə(r)li/
1

an elderly person is old. Many people now think that this word is offensive but it is often used in talking about policies and conditions that affect old people

Example

An elderly gentleman was standing at the reception desk.

Example

Not all elderly people can live with their relatives.

Example

This treatment is unsuitable for patients who are elderly and frail.

Synonyms and related words
ancient the elderly the old
1.1

old people. Many people now think that this expression is offensive.

Synonyms and related words
the aged centenarian the elderly
1.2

used about a car or machine that looks old-fashioned or does not work as well as it used to

Example

He was driving an elderly white Mercedes.

Synonyms and related words
aged ageing age-old old-fashioned primitive obsolete
Definition elderly in British English