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old
/oʊld/
having existed for a long time
She found an old book in the attic.
The book had existed for a long time before she discovered it.
general
having lived or existed for a relatively long time
The old man told stories about his youth.
The man who had lived for many years shared memories from his younger days.
Can describe people, objects, or concepts that are no longer new.
general
belonging to a past time or period
Old traditions are still practiced in some villages.
Customs from the past continue to be followed in certain rural areas.
Often used to contrast with modern or contemporary.
general
experienced or skilled due to age
The old sailor knew the sea better than anyone.
The experienced sailor had deep knowledge of the ocean.
Implies wisdom or expertise gained over time.
Collocations
old friendsomeone known for a long timeold habitslong-established behaviorsold-fashionedoutdated or traditional
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Old' is often used to describe things that are no longer new or current, but it can also carry positive connotations of wisdom or value.
Gold Rule
Avoid Ageism
When referring to people, be mindful of the context to avoid implying that age is a negative trait.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'old', from Old English 'eald', from Proto-Germanic 'aldaz', meaning 'grown up, adult'. Related to Old Saxon 'ald', Old High German 'alt', and Old Norse 'alr'.
Usage Notes
Can be used as a noun (e.g., 'the old') to refer to elderly people or things from the past. Often contrasted with 'new' or 'young'.
Word Breakdown
old
having lived or existed for a long time
rootEnglish Dictionary