veteran
A person who has had long experience in a particular field; a former member of the armed forces.
While often used for military service, in a professional context, 'veteran' emphasizes survival, endurance, and deep familiarity with the history and culture of an industry.
Word relationships
- old-timer: Old-timer is an informal, sometimes slightly patronizing term, whereas veteran is respectful and professional.
- master: A master has achieved supreme skill, whereas a veteran has achieved long tenure and survival, though they often overlap.
- novice: A novice is a beginner who is completely new to a field or activity.
- rookie: Rookie is an informal term for a first-year player or new recruit.
Commonly confused with
- veterinarian: A veterinarian is a doctor who treats animals, often abbreviated informally as 'vet', which can cause confusion with military or professional veterans.
Word family
- veteran (adjective): Having had long experience in a particular field.
Collocations
- veteran actor
- industry veteran
- combat veteran
- veteran status
Example sentences
- "The veteran foreign correspondent refused to panic when the communication lines went down." Describing an experienced journalist.
- "As a veteran of the public school system, Mr. Davis knew exactly how to handle a rowdy classroom." Describing a long-serving teacher.
Memory hook
Think of a VET (veterinarian) who is an OLD hand at taking care of animals. Or associate VETeran with VETting—someone who has been thoroughly vetted by time. A veteran has survived the test of time.
When not to use
Do not use for someone who is highly skilled but has only been in the industry for a few years. It requires a long timeline.
Fun facts
- The Latin root 'vetus' (old) also gives us the word 'inveterate' (long-established and unlikely to change, as in an 'inveterate liar').
Also appears in
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