Hoary
/ˈhɔːri/
adjectiveC2
Definition
Hoary describes something that is very old or covered with gray or white, like old hair or frost. It can also mean something ancient, showing signs of age or wisdom. People often use it to talk about old stories, traditions, or people with gray hair.
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See It in Action
Covered with gray or white hair or frost
- •The hoary beard of the old wizard made him look wise.
- •The mountain was hoary with snow even in summer.
- •Hoary branches sparkled with frost in the early morning light.
Very old or ancient, often with a sense of respect or tradition
- •The hoary legends of the village have been told for centuries.
- •His hoary wisdom helped solve many difficult problems.
- •The hoary ruins stood as a reminder of a lost civilization.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "hoary" like "old" (A1 word), but with a special focus on gray or white color that shows age or frost
- ✓Picture an old man with white hair or a tree covered in white frost on a cold morning
- ✓It's the feeling of respect or awe when you see something very old and wise, like a grandparent or an ancient tree
- ✓Sounds like "HO-ree" → imagine a cold winter morning where everything looks white and frosty, making things look old and quiet
- ✓Think of old fairy tales or legends that are "hoary" because they have been told for a very long time
- ✓NOT like "young" (new and fresh), "hoary" is the opposite, showing age and experience
- ✓NOT like "dirty" or "dusty"—hoary means old AND white or gray, not just unclean
- ✓NOT like "shiny" or "new"—hoary looks faded, worn, and full of history
Try Other Words
- •Ancient: very old, from a long time ago (Use when emphasizing great age and history)
- •Gray: having gray color, often from age (Use when focusing on color only)
- •Frosty: covered with frost or ice crystals (Use when talking about cold, white covering)
- •Aged: having lived a long time (Use in formal or respectful contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix; root "hoary" itself)
- •Etymology: From Old English "hār," meaning "gray, white," related to hair color and frost
- •Historical development: Used since early English to describe gray hair and frost; later extended to mean old or ancient things
- •Modern usage: Mostly literary or formal, describing age, wisdom, or frost-covered appearance
- •Interesting fact: "Hoary" often appears in poetry or stories to give a sense of time and respect
Reflect & Connect
•How does the image of something "hoary" help you imagine age or wisdom differently than just saying "old"?
•Can modern things ever be described as "hoary"? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks
1.The hoary beard of the old man showed he had lived ___ many years and gained much ___.
2.In winter, the trees looked hoary because they were covered ___ frost and ice.
3.Unlike young trees, the hoary oak stood ___ and full of history.
4.The storyteller shared hoary legends that had been passed down for ___.
5.When describing a person as hoary, we usually mean they have ___ hair and great experience.
6.Hoary ruins often remind us of civilizations that are ___ and forgotten.
7.The mountain was hoary all year round because of its ___ cold climate.