noun

presbyopia

prez-bee-OH-pee-uh

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Presbyopia (noun) means a condition, caused by ageing, in which the eye becomes unable to focus clearly on nearby objects. Example: “Many people notice presbyopia setting in during their forties.”

noun

pathology A condition, caused by ageing, in which the eye becomes unable to focus clearly on nearby objects.

"Many people notice presbyopia setting in during their forties."

"She started wearing reading glasses once her presbyopia made small print blurry."

"Presbyopia is a normal part of getting older, not a disease."

How to use presbyopia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPresbyopia is the blurry-close-up-vision that tends to come with getting older.

When to use it

Presbyopia is a clinical term used mainly in medical and optical contexts.

Memory tip

The stress falls on the third syllable, the 'oh' sound: pres-bee-OH-pee-uh.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

develop presbyopia correct presbyopia presbyopia sets in symptoms of presbyopia

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “presbyopia” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Many people notice _____ setting in during their forties.

Etymology

Presbyopia comes from New Latin, built from the Ancient Greek word for an old man combined with a Greek-derived ending meaning a problem with vision, which itself traces back to the Greek word for eye.

Origin: New Latin

Rhymes for presbyopia

Odia aria India Syria ataxia Latvia acacia Zambia Russia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia

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Frequently asked questions

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is the age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on things that are close up.

What causes presbyopia?

It is caused by ageing, which gradually affects how well the eye can focus on nearby objects.

Does presbyopia mean the same as short-sightedness?

No, presbyopia affects near vision with age, and is a different condition from short-sightedness.

What is the meaning of presbyopia?

"presbyopia" (noun) means a condition, caused by ageing, in which the eye becomes unable to focus clearly on nearby objects.