old
old Lexical Profile
old Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having existed, been made, or been in use for a long period of time; showing signs of age or wear.
"They carefully restored the old stone farmhouse in the countryside."
Having lived for a long time; advanced in years or no longer young.
"The old tortoise had lived in the botanical sanctuary for well over a century."
Of a specified age.
"Their daughter will be seven years old next month."
Belonging only or chiefly to the past; former or previous.
"She ran into her old college roommate at the academic conference."
Known for a long time and regarded with familiarity or affection.
"Several old friends gathered for dinner to celebrate his promotion."
• noun
Old people considered collectively as a group (usually preceded by 'the').
"The community center offers social programs for both the young and the old."
Former or ancient times (chiefly in the phrase 'of old').
"The coastal fortress was built by mariners of old to guard the harbor."
Word Nuance & Usage
The regular comparative and superlative forms 'older' and 'oldest' are used for both people and things, whereas 'elder' and 'eldest' are restricted to comparing the ages of people, particularly family members.
• Rhymes for old
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'ald' (Anglian) and 'eald' (West Saxon), meaning 'antique, of ancient origin, or advanced in years', derived from Proto-Germanic *aldaz ('grown up') and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root *al- ('to grow, nourish').