elder
/ˈeldə/
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: 4.06 in modern English
6
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
2
Syllables
4
Unique Chars
Meaning
adj
comparative degree of old: older, greater than another in age or seniority.
noun
A leader or senior member of a tribe or community, often of considerable age, respected as an authority figure, especially in a counselling, consultative, or ceremonial role.
noun
One who lived at an earlier period; a predecessor.
noun
A clergyman authorized to administer all the sacraments.
Example Sentences
- "It's typical for elder married couples to live in retirement homes."
- "The elder of the two was also an elder statesman."
- "She removed Stranleigh’s coat with a dexterity that aroused his imagination. The elder woman returned with dressings and a sponge, which she placed on a chair."
- "The deal fell to Copling and the automaton therefore had the first "elder hand," with the advantage of a discard of five cards against its opponent's three."
- "We were presented to the village elder."
- "At the friendship centre, you can arrange to meet with a social worker or an elder."
Etymology
From Middle English eldre, from Old English eldra, yldra, ieldra, from Proto-Germanic *alþizô. The vowel change from a to e triggered by the following i is called umlaut or I-mutation.
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈeldə/
- British English: /ˈɛldə/