Elderly vs. Elderlies — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 10, 2023
"Elderly" is a standard English term used to describe individuals who are old or aging, often considered polite. "Elderlies" is a non-standard plural form that is less commonly used.
Difference Between Elderly and Elderlies
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Elderly" is a common adjective in English to describe a person or a group of people who are significantly old in age. The word has been widely accepted and is often used in formal and medical contexts. On the other hand, "Elderlies" is not a standard term and is not often used in formal settings. You may hear it in casual conversation, but it's not grammatically accepted.
Both "Elderly" and "Elderlies" aim to address people who are in their later stages of life. However, while "Elderly" is an adjective and can also serve as a collective noun, "Elderlies" attempts to serve as a plural noun, which isn't standard English. For example, saying "The elderly need special care" is accepted, whereas "The elderlies need special care" is grammatically questionable.
In medical and social work settings, the term "elderly" is frequently employed to discuss the particular needs or conditions associated with older age. "Elderlies" does not have this kind of professional backing and is rarely, if ever, used in these settings. Using "Elderly" is more respectful and accurate in such contexts.
Although "Elderly" is the more appropriate term to use in nearly all situations, one might encounter the term "Elderlies" in colloquial or dialectal use. However, if you are aiming for clarity and correctness, it's advisable to stick with "Elderly."
Comparison Chart
Grammatical Type
Adjective/Collective Noun
Attempted Plural Noun
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Usage Frequency
Common
Rare
Formality
Formal and Informal
Mostly Informal
Acceptance
Widely accepted
Not grammatically accepted
Context
All contexts
Casual, colloquial
Compare with Definitions
Elderly
Persons past middle age.
My parents are becoming elderly.
Elderlies
Non-standard plural form for elderly people.
The elderlies in our neighborhood get together for bingo.
Elderly
A polite term for old people.
Special seats are reserved for the elderly.
Elderlies
Informal, often dialectal plural for elderly.
We should help the elderlies shovel their driveways.
Elderly
Being advanced in years.
The elderly woman crossed the road carefully.
Elderlies
Colloquial term for a group of old people.
The elderlies have a knitting club.
Elderly
Relatively old.
He's elderly but still active.
Elderlies
Rarely used plural form.
Elderlies can struggle with new technology.
Elderly
Being past middle age and approaching old age; rather old.
Elderlies
Casual term for multiple aged individuals.
The elderlies enjoy their morning walk.
Elderly
Of, relating to, or characteristic of older persons or life in later years.
Elderlies
Being past middle age and approaching old age; rather old.
Elderly
Pl. eld·er·lies An elderly person.
Elderlies
Of, relating to, or characteristic of older persons or life in later years.
Elderly
Pl. elderly (used with a pl. verb) Older people considered as a group. Often used with the
Special recreational programs for the elderly.
Elderlies
Pl. eld·er·lies An elderly person.
Elderly
Old; having lived for relatively many years.
Elderlies
Pl. elderly (used with a pl. verb) Older people considered as a group. Often used with the
Special recreational programs for the elderly.
Elderly
Of an object, being old-fashioned or frail due to aging.
Elderlies
Plural of elderly
Elderly
An elderly person.
Elderly
Older people as a whole.
Elderly
Somewhat old; advanced beyond middle age; bordering on old age; as, elderly people.
Elderly
Advanced in years; (`aged' is pronounced as two syllables);
Aged members of the society
Elderly residents could remember the construction of the first skyscraper
Senior citizen
Elderly
Aged individuals in a community.
The elderly are more susceptible to flu.
Common Curiosities
Is "Elderly" an adjective or a noun?
"Elderly" can serve as both an adjective and a collective noun.
Is "Elderly" formal or informal?
"Elderly" is considered appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
In what context is "Elderlies" used?
"Elderlies" is rarely used, mostly in casual or colloquial contexts.
Can "Elderly" be used as a collective noun?
Yes, "Elderly" can serve as a collective noun to describe a group of aged people.
How often is "Elderlies" used?
"Elderlies" is rarely used and is not recommended for standard communication.
Is "Elderlies" grammatically correct?
No, "Elderlies" is not considered grammatically correct.
Is "Elderlies" considered disrespectful?
It's not necessarily disrespectful, but it's not standard English.
Can "Elderly" describe one person?
Yes, "Elderly" can describe a single individual who is old.
What is "Elderlies"?
"Elderlies" is a non-standard, informal term attempting to be the plural form of "Elderly."
Is "Elderly" universally accepted?
Yes, "Elderly" is widely accepted and understood in English-speaking countries.
Can "Elderlies" describe one person?
No, "Elderlies" attempts to be a plural form, describing more than one person.
Does "Elderlies" have medical backing?
No, "Elderlies" is not used in medical or professional contexts.
Is "Elderly" politically correct?
Generally, "Elderly" is considered a respectful and polite term.
Is "Elderlies" used in legal contexts?
No, "Elderlies" is not used in legal or formal contexts.
Is "Elderly" used in legal contexts?
Yes, "Elderly" is often used in legal and formal documents.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
