Age Meaning
Age Definition & Usage
The length of time that a person or thing has existed, measured from birth or creation.
Examples
- "She is 30 years of age."
- "The car is showing signs of its age."
- "He looks much younger than his actual age."
- "The building dates back to the 18th century, so it's quite old in age."
- "At the age of 60, he decided to retire."
A period of life, especially the stage in which someone is (e.g., childhood, adolescence, old age).
Examples
- "He was in the prime of his age when he started his business."
- "Old age can bring challenges, but it also brings wisdom."
- "She was at an age when she wanted to start a family."
- "Young people today face a different age of technology."
- "They are in the same age group but have very different interests."
To grow older or pass through a certain stage of life.
Examples
- "She has aged gracefully over the years."
- "The wine ages well in oak barrels."
- "He has aged 10 years since the last time I saw him."
- "The leather bag aged beautifully in the sun."
- "As we age, our perspectives on life change."
A specific period or stage in the development of something, often used in reference to the maturity or quality of products like wine, cheese, or artwork.
Examples
- "This wine has reached its peak age and is perfect for drinking."
- "The cheese is best enjoyed at the right age, not too young or too old."
- "The artist’s work has only improved with age."
- "The sculpture's age gives it a certain character."
- "Some electronics begin to lose functionality with age."
Cultural Context
The concept of age is central to many aspects of life, from individual health and development to societal roles and expectations. Age is often associated with wisdom, experience, and the physical changes that come with time. However, attitudes toward age can vary significantly across cultures and historical periods.
The Golden Years
Story
The Golden Years
Martha sat quietly by the window, watching the autumn leaves fall from the trees outside. She was in her seventies now, and the years had crept up on her quietly, almost unnoticed. There was a time, not so long ago, when she would have rushed out to catch the last of the summer sun, but those days felt far away now. She had aged, yes, but with grace, and she was proud of it. Her son, Michael, came over to visit every week, often commenting on how different she looked each time. 'You’re not showing your age, mom,' he would say, with a smile that masked his concern. Martha would chuckle, running her fingers over the silver streaks in her hair. 'It’s just the way it goes,' she’d reply. 'We all age, but it’s how we carry it that matters.' Martha had lived a full life. She remembered when she was younger, in the prime of her age, full of energy and dreams. She had worked hard, raised a family, and enjoyed many adventures. But now, as she sat here in the quiet of her home, she couldn’t help but reflect on her own journey. She was grateful for the years she’d lived, the lessons she had learned, and the wisdom she had gained. But she also knew the importance of acknowledging the changes that came with age. 'How do you feel about getting older?' Michael asked one afternoon, as they shared tea together. Martha smiled thoughtfully. 'Age is a funny thing. Some days I feel like a teenager, and other days I feel like I’ve lived a lifetime. But I wouldn’t trade these years for anything.' As they talked, the conversation shifted to the age of things around them. The old family portraits on the wall, the antique clock ticking in the corner, and even the house itself, which had stood for decades. 'These things have aged beautifully,' Michael commented, admiring the old furniture. 'They’ve stood the test of time.' 'Just like us,' Martha said, with a wink. 'Age may change us, but it doesn’t define us.'