elders

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   People who are older than you, especially within your family or community.

   Grammar: Always plural; use 'elder' for one person.

   Patterns

   • the elders of something
   • respect your elders

   In many cultures, young people are expected to listen to their elders.

   He always showed respect for his elders, even when he disagreed with them.

   The elders in the village made the important decisions together.

2. 2nounplural

   People who have authority or high status because of their age or experience in a group.

   Grammar: Often used with 'the' and a group: the elders of the church.

   Patterns

   • the elders of something
   • a council of elders

   The elders of the tribe met to discuss the problem.

   Church elders are responsible for guiding the congregation.

   She was chosen to speak to the elders on behalf of the students.

Word forms

Common combinations

respect your elders

Children are taught to respect their elders.

the elders of the community

The elders of the community gathered for the meeting.

tribal elders

Tribal elders played a key role in the peace talks.

a council of elders

The village has a council of elders that settles disputes.

village elders

Village elders often know the history of the area better than anyone.

Synonyms and how they differ

seniors

Use 'seniors' for people who are older in a general sense, but 'elders' often suggests respect or authority within a group.

ancients

'Ancients' refers to people from a very long time ago; 'elders' are living older people in your community.

Opposites

Word family

elder noun

A single older person, especially one with authority.

elderly adjective

Describing someone who is old; polite but can sound formal.

eldership noun

The position or role of being an elder.

Commonly confused: elders or older?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “elders”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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