What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dotard
Example
The dotard struggled to remember his own name. [dotard: noun]
Example
She became increasingly dotard as she aged. [dotard: adjective]
senile
Example
My grandfather became senile in his later years. [senile: adjective]
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with senility after noticing his memory loss. [senility: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Senile is more commonly used than dotard in everyday language and is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dotard and senile?
Senile is more formal than dotard and is often used in medical or scientific contexts, while dotard is considered an outdated and insulting term.
