Elder
Pronunciation
- AusE IPA: /ˈeldə/
- RP IPA: /ˈɛldə/
- GenAm IPA: /ˈɛldɚ/
- Rhymes: -ɛldə(r)
Origin 1
From Old English eldra, from Proto-Germanic *alþizô. The vowel change from a to e triggered by the following i is called Germanic umlaut.
Adjective
- Comparative of old: older, greater than another in age or seniority.
- The elder of the two was also an elder statesman
- 1913, w, Lord Stranleigh Abroad Chapter 5, 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.
Usage notes
The normal comparative of old is older. The irregular form elder is sometimes used with family members, but otherwise rare (except in fixed expressions such as elder statesman). Elder is generally limited to attributive position my elder brother and does not occur in predicative position (*my brother is elder).
Full definition of elder
Noun
elder
(plural elders)- An older person or an older member, usually a leader, of some community.We were presented to the village elder.
- One who is older than another.Respect your elders.
- One who lived at an earlier period; a predecessor.
- L'EstrangeCarry your head as your elders have done.
- An officer of a church, sometimes having teaching responsibilities.
- A clergyman authorized to administer all the sacraments.a travelling elder
- (US, Mormonism) One ordained to the lowest office in the Melchizedek priesthood (Latter Day Saints).After being a member of the Church for a while, Bill was ordained to the office of elder.Jack had been an elder for only a few days when he received a new calling.
- (US, Mormonism) Male missionary, title for a male missionary; title for a general authority.The elders are coming over for dinner tonight.One of the long-time leaders in the Church is Elder Packer.
- (paganism and Heathenry) A pagan or Heathen priest or priestess.
Origin 2
From Middle English eldre, eller, from Old English ellærn, from Proto-Germanic *el(d)ernaz (confer Low German Elhorn, Elloorn), adjectival from Proto-Indo-European *hâ‚edÊ°-l-i 'spruce, fir' (compare Middle Irish aidlen 'silver fir', Latin ebulus ("dwarf elder"), Old Prussian addle 'fir', Czech jedle 'silver fir', Ancient Greek á¼Î»Î¬Ï„η (elate, "silver fir")