What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elderly
Example
The elderly couple enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. [elderly: adjective]
Example
She has been caring for her elderly mother for several years. [elderly: adjective]
senior
Example
He is a senior executive at the company and has been working there for over 20 years. [senior: adjective]
Example
The senior citizens center offers a variety of activities for older adults. [senior: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Senior is more commonly used than elderly in everyday language, especially in professional or formal settings. However, both words are still widely used and understood.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elderly and senior?
Senior is often considered more formal than elderly, which can be seen as more casual or even disrespectful in some contexts. However, both words can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context and tone of the conversation.
