What Is The Difference Between “Elder” And “Older”?

Ian Matovu, St Joseph Primary School, Ihunga

Both words mean “more advanced in age”. The difference is that “older” describes things as well as people, while “elder” describes people only. “Elder” can also be used as a noun while “older” cannot. For example, we can say, “Learn to respect your elders” but we cannot say, “Learn to respect your olders.” We also say “He is older than me,” but not “He is elder than me”.