Égée

âgée is the feminine form of the French adjective âgé, meaning old or aged. It is used to describe someone who is elderly, most often with feminine nouns, as in une femme âgée or une personne âgée. The term is common in formal, professional, and neutral language.

Etymology and form: âgé derives from the noun âge (age). The feminine form adds -e to become âgée. The circumflex on the â signals historical spelling changes in French, but in modern pronunciation the word is typically pronounced with two syllables: a-geh.

Grammar and usage: As an adjective, âgé/âgée agrees with the noun in gender and number, e.g., un homme âgé, une femme âgée, des hommes âgés, des femmes âgées. The expression une personne âgée is widely used as a neutral descriptor in everyday language and in official or policy contexts. In everyday speech, vieux is more common but can carry stronger or less respectful connotations regarding old age.

Pronunciation: The standard pronunciation is roughly [a.ʒe], with the feminine form âgée pronounced the same way when the final e is spoken in contexts requiring it. The circumflex does not significantly alter the sound in contemporary French beyond indicating historical spelling.

Translations and usage notes: In English, âgée is typically translated as elderly or aged. It is preferred in formal or respectful contexts, especially in discussions about health, social services, or demographics. Phrases include valeur “personnes âgées,” “femme âgée,” and “personne âgée de X ans.”

See also: âge; âgé; personne âgée; personnes âgées.