non-elderly

The word "non-elderly" is a modern English compound formed by directly applying the productive negative prefix "non-" to the established adjective "elderly." The prefix "non-" derives from Latin non, meaning "not," a strengthened form of the Proto-Indo-European negative particle ne-. The base word "elderly" originates from Middle English eldirly, built on the comparative form "elder" of the Old English eald (old), which traces back to the Proto-Germanic aldaz and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European root h₂el- (to grow, nourish). The logic of the compound is transparently descriptive, creating a single term to denote the conceptual opposite of the "elderly" demographic category, primarily for use in sociological, medical, and policy-related contexts.

Structure: non (not) + elderly (old) - non: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "not." It functions as a negative or privative prefix. - elderly: An adjective of Middle English origin, from 'elder' (comparative of 'old') + the suffix '-ly'. It functions as the base word meaning "old" or "advanced in age."