grandfathered
USGRAND-fah-thurd/ˈɡɹæn(d)ˌfɑðɚd/UKGRAND-fah-thuhd/ˈɡɹæn(d)ˌfɑːðə(r)d/
- 1Allowed to keep older rules instead of following new ones that came later.
Like being allowed to keep an old toy at school when a new rule bans them, because you had yours first.
The old building was grandfathered, so it did not need the new fire exits.
Her grandfathered phone plan still costs less than the newer plans.
Similarexempt
- 2Simple past and past participle of grandfather. Use it to talk about letting something keep the old rules after new ones start.
The city grandfathered the old shops when the new rules began.
Their licenses were grandfathered before the law changed.
Note
Showing meanings only.
grandfathered is a form of grandfather
grandfather, verb: To let someone or something keep following an old rule after the rule has changed. Full entry
- Forms
- grandfathergrandfathers he/she/itgrandfathering -ing formgrandfathered past tense, past participle
- Spelling
- grandfather → grandfathered: add -ed
Use it in a sentence
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