Is "old" polite when talking about people?

It can be neutral, but it may sound blunt. For older people, **elderly** is often more polite.

What is the difference between "old" and "ancient"?

**Old** means not new or long used. **Ancient** means very, very old, usually from a much earlier time.

Can I use "old" for things?

Yes. You can say **old car**, **old clothes**, or **old phone**.

← Dictionary

old

/əʊld/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

1.
Having lived for many years, or existing for a long time. It can also describe things that are not new anymore.
- My grandfather is old.
- This old phone still works.
2.
Used for something that happened before the present time, especially with stories, habits, or memories.
- We talked about old times.
- She has an old injury.

Adinary Nuance

Old is the most general word for age or long use. It is less precise than elderly, which is more polite for older people, and less literary than ancient, which suggests a very long time. For things, old can sound neutral, but in some contexts it may suggest wear or being outdated.

In other languages

Vietnamese: cũ
Spanish: viejo
Chinese: 旧的
Japanese: 古い
Korean: 오래된

Etymology

Old comes from Old English eald, from Germanic roots. It has been part of English since before 900 CE.

Common phrases

old friendold timesold enoughthe old days

Synonyms

aged elderly ancient

Related words

new young outdated old-fashioned

Frequently asked questions

Is "old" polite when talking about people?: It can be neutral, but it may sound blunt. For older people, **elderly** is often more polite.
What is the difference between "old" and "ancient"?: **Old** means not new or long used. **Ancient** means very, very old, usually from a much earlier time.
Can I use "old" for things?: Yes. You can say **old car**, **old clothes**, or **old phone**.