Eldest - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Definition:
Being the oldest in age or rank among siblings or a group.
Synonyms:
oldest, firstborn, senior, foremost
Part of Speech:
adjective, noun
Antonyms:
youngest, junior
Common Collocations:
eldest child, eldest son, eldest daughter, eldest sibling
Derivatives:
eldership, eldest-born
Usage Tips:
Use "eldest" for people; "oldest" can refer to objects or people but is more general.
Common Phrases:
the eldest of the family, the eldest and wisest, the eldest brother
Etymology:
From Old English "eldesta," superlative of "eald" (old).
Examples:
- 1. She is the eldest in her family.
- 2. The eldest son inherited the estate.
- 3. Their eldest daughter just started college.
- 4. He was the eldest of five siblings.