Definition of Age
Quick Meaning of Age
How old someone is or how long something has been around, measured in years.
Detailed Definition of Age
The length of time a person has lived or a thing has existed, usually expressed in years.
How to Pronounce Age
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: One syllable with a long 'a' sound like in 'say', followed by a soft 'j' sound: AY-j. Rhymes with 'cage' and 'stage'.
Watch out: Some learners pronounce it with a hard 'g' sound (like 'gag'), but it should have a soft 'j' sound like 'cage'.
Origin and Etymology of Age
From Old French 'aage', derived from Latin 'aetas', meaning a period of time or lifetime.
How to Use Age in a Sentence
Each example shows “age” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“My daughter is five years of age.”
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“At what age did you learn to ride a bicycle?”
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“The age of the building can be determined through archaeological analysis and historical records.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Age
Common Synonyms for Age
Smart Synonyms for Age — When to Use Each
- years
- when stating a person's age in casual conversation
- era
- for historical periods or long spans of time
Common Collocations with Age
These phrases pair with “age” in everyday English:
- at the age of
- old age
- bronze age
- golden age
Common Mistakes When Using Age
Even fluent speakers slip up with “age”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: How old age are you?
- ✓ Correct: How old are you?
- Why: 'Age' is not used with 'old' in questions. Say 'How old are you?' not 'How old age are you?'.
- ✗ Wrong: She is 25 age.
- ✓ Correct: She is 25 years old.
- Why: Use 'years old' to state age, not just 'age'. Can also say 'She is 25' alone, but not 'She is 25 age'.
Words Confused With Age
- Age vs Era: 'Age' typically refers to a person's lifespan or a specific number of years; 'era' means a long historical period.
Other Forms of Age
Frequently Asked Questions About Age
What is the meaning of "Age"?
How old someone is or how long something has been around, measured in years.
How do you pronounce "Age"?
The IPA is /eɪdʒ/. One syllable with a long 'a' sound like in 'say', followed by a soft 'j' sound: AY-j. Rhymes with 'cage' and 'stage'.
What part of speech is "Age"?
"Age" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Age"?
Common synonyms include years, lifespan, epoch.
How do you use "Age" in a sentence?
For example: "My daughter is five years of age."