elder

1 a person of advanced years <in that Asian society elders are accorded great respect> Synonyms ancient, senior citizen, geriatric, golden-ager, oldster, old-timer, seniorRelated Words gaffer, graybeard, patriarch, whitebeard; beldam (or beldame), dowager, grandam (or grandame); adult, grown-up; dotardNear 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, superior, seniorRelated Words boss, chief, head, leader, masterNear Antonyms assistant, deputyAntonyms inferior, subordinate, underling

3 one who is older than another <it wouldn't hurt to show a little more respect for your elders> Synonyms seniorRelated Words ancestor, forerunner, predecessorNear Antonyms contemporary, peer; descendant (also descendent), successorAntonyms 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, dean, elder statesman, éminence grise, nestor, seniorRelated Words better, superior; old hand, old-timer, vet, veteranNear Antonyms doyenne; inferior, subordinate, underling; beginner, colt, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, novice, recruit, rookie, tenderfoot, tyroAntonyms baby, junior