The word "elder" is spelled with the letters e-l-d-e-r, and is pronounced as /ˈɛldər/. The first letter "e" is pronounced as a short "e" sound, similar to the "e" in the word "red". The second letter "l" is pronounced as a clear "l" sound, followed by a silent "d". The last two letters "e-r" are pronounced as a "er" sound, similar to the "er" in the word "butter". Overall, the spelling of "elder" accurately represents its pronunciation.
Elder is a noun that refers to an individual who is older in age or has a higher social standing within a community. The term can be used in various contexts such as familial relationships, community hierarchies, or religious groups.
In the context of familial relationships, an elder typically refers to an older member of a family, specifically someone who is of a previous generation than the person speaking. For instance, an individual's grandparents, parents, or aunts and uncles may be considered elders. This meaning also applies in extended family structures or certain cultural traditions.
In community hierarchies, an elder denotes someone who possesses a respected position or role due to their experience, wisdom, or contributions to the community. In many indigenous societies, for example, elders are highly regarded for their extensive knowledge, cultural wisdom, and leadership abilities. Their influence and decision-making often hold significant weight and are sought after by the community members when important matters or disputes arise.
Within religious groups, the term elder can refer to a person who holds a position of authority or leadership, often tasked with guiding and providing spiritual counseling to the congregation. They may also oversee various aspects of the religious community, such as rituals, ceremonies, or administrative matters.
Overall, the term elder encompasses the notions of age, experience, respect, and leadership, depending on the specific context in which it is used.
Sambucus, the dried flowers of Sambucus canadensis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Senior; opposed to younger; older; comp. degree of old.
• One advanced in life; an office-bearer in a Presbyterian church.
• A common tree producing white flowers and dark-purple berries.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "elder" comes from the Old English word "ealdor", which means "chief, prince, or leader". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "aldraz", meaning "grown-up" or "adult". Ultimately, the origins can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*al-", which means "to nourish, to grow". The concept of an "elder" traditionally denotes someone who is older, wiser, and holds a position of authority or respect within a community or family.