What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
senior
Example
My grandfather is a senior citizen and gets discounts at the movie theater. [senior: adjective]
Example
She has been working at the company for 20 years and is now a senior manager. [senior: noun]
Example
As a senior member of the team, he was responsible for training new employees. [senior: adjective]
older
Example
My sister is older than me by three years. [older: comparative adjective]
Example
The older man had more life experience and wisdom. [older: adjective]
Example
The older model of the car had fewer features than the newer one. [older: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Older is more commonly used than senior in everyday language, as it is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts. Senior is more specific and is typically used in formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between senior and older?
Senior is generally considered more formal than older, as it is often used in professional or academic contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or informal settings depending on the context.
