What word to choose to indicate age? Even a very mature age? In relation to a woman, it is not customary to use words other than “young”, “blooming”, “young”. Antonyms for the word "young" sound sharply. The way out was found by I. Ilf and E. Petrov. Describing the guests at the wedding, they selected the definition of “not young” for the bride.
But still these are two words, not one. What other definitions of this concept can be found?
What antonyms usually use
The meaning of a word is sometimes better understood if you specify its antonym - the antipode, antagonist. A word with the opposite meaning. For black, the antonym is white, for hot it is cold. And what are the antonyms for the word "young"?
In the movie "Black Cat, White Cat" two characters are talking. Local mafiosi can not give his sister in marriage. He notices the son of his interlocutor and asks about his age. The father, responding that his son is seventeen years old, adds: "He is quite mature." Later, when this guy’s wedding was already decided, one girl expressed regret to him - she wanted to fall in love with him, but late. And he adds: “Very young, but cute.”
It turns out that a pair of "young - mature" are antonyms.
Riddle: antonym of the word “young”, 8 letters
In crosswords, a word is often encrypted, to guess which will help its antonym. It’s good when the number of letters is known. If there are eight, then the word "mature" will not work, although it is an antonym. Need to look for another word.
This can be done in two ways: to choose the antonym for the word “young” or to find a synonym for the word “mature”. After looking through the dictionary of antonyms, we get the following list:
- elderly;
- middle-aged;
- old;
- adult.
There are also words, but they do not fit, because they consist of two or more words. If it were necessary to search for a concept opposite to the word “young”, then they would be useful. From the available words, choose one that has eight letters. This is the word "adult."
How to designate not a young age of a person
If an announcement, congratulation or just a note on the style of the dress is made, the question of age seems rather sensitive. There are several well-established expressions that sometimes help:
- Retirement age.
- Age 55+.
- Mature age.
- Elegant age.
But the first two antonyms for the word “young” sound rude and tactless. It is better to use the following two, and put them side by side. For example, "a mature lady of elegant age." Or just say "lady of Balzac age." In fact, Balzac wrote about women who are thirty-five years old. But can a real lady be more? As one lady in O. Wilde’s play said: “One lady managed to maintain her thirty-five year old for many years.”
For men, the following epithets are suitable, which are antonyms to the word "young":
- Wise for years.
- Whitened by gray hair.
- Patriarch
- Veteran.
- In years.
- In the years.
- At the age of.
- Solid.
- Power.
About men it is best to say "respectable gentleman." This will emphasize its dignity. And no words like “old man” or “grandfather”. We will respect the elders.
Conclusion
Sometimes finding a synonym or antonym is not easy, but it's worth it. Next time you will make a congratulation, use decent epithets and pleasant treatment. And you will see how people will be grateful.