Hoary

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈhɔːri/ (American, British)

Definitions

• Gray or white with age.
• Ancient or venerable.
• Covered with fine white or grayish hairs.

Usage Examples

• The hoary old man shared stories from his youth.
• A hoary legend that has been passed down for centuries.
• The hoary frost covered the ground in the morning.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English hoor, from Old English hār, meaning "gray, venerable, old." Related to Old Norse hārr and Old High German hēr, both meaning "gray-haired, aged."

Synonyms

Gray, aged, ancient, venerable, silvery.

Antonyms

Young, new, fresh, modern.

Translations

More languages omitted for brevity.

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some dialects, "hoary" is pronounced with a stronger "h" sound, while others make it softer or almost silent.

Historical Usage

The word "hoary" has been used in English since the 16th century to describe old age, wisdom, and ancient traditions. It appears frequently in poetry and classical literature.

Cultural Nuances

In literature, "hoary" often symbolizes wisdom, experience, or something long-standing. In some cultures, hoary hair is seen as a sign of respect and knowledge.

More Information

In botany, "hoary" describes plants with a fine, white, woolly coating. In folklore, hoary figures are often depicted as wise elders with long, gray beards.