elder

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noun

Definition of ELDER

1

a person of advanced years <in that Asian society elders are accorded great respect>

Synonyms ancient, elder, geriatric, golden-ager, oldster, old-timer, senior

Related Words gaffer, graybeard, patriarch, whitebeard; beldam (or beldame), dowager, grandam (or grandame); adult, grown-up; dotard

Near Antonyms adolescent, minor; child, cub, juvenile, kid, kiddie (also kiddy)

Antonyms youngster, youth

2

one who is above another in rank, station, or office <as your elder in the company, he is within his rights to tell you what to do>

Synonyms better, elder, senior

Related Words boss, chief, head, leader, master

Near Antonyms assistant, deputy

Antonyms inferior, subordinate, underling

3

one who is older than another <it wouldn't hurt to show a little more respect for your elders>

Synonyms elder

Related Words ancestor, forerunner, predecessor

Near Antonyms contemporary, peer; descendant (also descendent), successor

Antonyms junior

4

the senior member of a group <as the elder of the contingent of living former presidents, he was accorded a place of highest honor at the ceremonies>

Synonyms doyen, elder, elder statesman, éminence grise, nestor, senior

Related Words better, superior; old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran

Near Antonyms doyenne; inferior, subordinate, underling; beginner, colt, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, novice, recruit, rookie, tenderfoot, tyro

Antonyms baby, junior