[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/senile/)

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# senile

adjective (senile)

«senile» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Weak in mind because of old age, especially forgetful or confused. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/senile/#m1)
2. (medicine, old-fashioned) Connected with old age: «senile dementia». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/senile/#m2)

### In the lessons

Adult life seen by a child: an elderly relative may become confused. Today doctors say «dementia» rather than «senile», and calling someone senile is unkind. Phrases: «going senile».

### Examples

- Great-gran gets confused, but the doctor says it is dementia, not just being senile. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/senile/#x1)
- It is rude to call old people senile. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/senile/#x2)
- The old dog seemed a bit senile, barking at nothing. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/senile/#x3)
- Some people become forgetful as they age, but many stay sharp. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/senile/#x4)
- In the story, the old king was senile and easily fooled. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/senile/#x5)

### Note

Pronounced SEE-nile. Often hurtful; say «has dementia» or «forgetful». Myth: not all old people become senile; many stay clear-minded. Noun «senility».

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «senile» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/senile/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«senile» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/senile.html) on Mova free.