Spell Bee Word: ageist

Basic Details

Word: Ageist

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Someone who shows dislike or unfair treatment towards people of a certain age, often older people.

Synonyms: Discriminatory, prejudiced

Antonyms: Inclusive, accepting

Idioms and Phrases

1. Age before beauty: This phrase suggests that the older person should go first because of their age. Example: "When entering the room, he smiled and said, 'Age before beauty,' letting the older guests go in first."
2. Turning back the clock: Means making someone appear younger than they are. Example: "The new hairstyle really turned back the clock for her; she looked years younger."

Usage Examples

Example 1: The ageist comments made during the meeting caused many older employees to feel undervalued.

Example 2: It is important to challenge ageist stereotypes to create a more inclusive society.

Example 3: She realised that ageist attitudes prevented her grandparents from enjoying activities that they loved.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the term "ageism" was first coined in 1969 by psychologist Robert Butler? It was created to describe discrimination against the elderly and has since gained recognition worldwide.

Famous Quote

"We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." George Bernard Shaw

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "ageist" mean?

a) Someone who loves people of all ages
b) Someone who dislikes people based on their age
c) Someone who helps the elderly
d) Someone who is very old

Answer: b) Someone who dislikes people based on their age

2. Which of these is a synonym of "ageist"?

a) Inclusive
b) Discriminatory
c) Encouraging
d) Supportive

Answer: b) Discriminatory

3. Which of these is an antonym of "ageist"?

a) Typical
b) Inclusive
c) Hostile
d) Disparaging

Answer: b) Inclusive

4. Which sentence uses "ageist" correctly?

a) She felt ageist when she decided to go to bed early.
b) The movie challenged ageist viewpoints by showcasing older actors.
c) The ageist cat always sat beside young children.
d) An ageist cake is hard to bake properly.

Answer: b) The movie challenged ageist viewpoints by showcasing older actors.

5. Which idiom means giving respect to older individuals?

a) Turning back the clock
b) Age before beauty
c) Once in a blue moon
d) Best of both worlds

Answer: b) Age before beauty