seasoned
SEE-zund
/ˈsiːzənd/
Having a lot of experience in a particular activity or job.
Implies that the person has weathered many 'seasons' or challenges and has become tougher or wiser as a result.
The story behind the word. Originally, 'seasoned' referred to wood that had been left out to dry and harden over several seasons. Later, it was applied to food (adding spices) and then to people who had been 'hardened' by life.
Word relationships
- experienced: 'Experienced' is the basic term; 'seasoned' implies a deeper, more rugged level of expertise.
- veteran: 'Veteran' often implies long service in the military or a specific field.
- novice: A novice is a beginner with little to no experience.
- green: An informal term for someone who is inexperienced and naive.
Commonly confused with
- mature: 'Mature' is about development; 'seasoned' is about the accumulation of experience.
Collocations
- seasoned veteran
- seasoned professional
- seasoned traveler
Example sentences
- "The team was led by a seasoned diplomat who had served in four different conflict zones." Professional expertise
- "A seasoned traveler knows to always pack a spare battery and a physical map." Travel
Memory hook
A seasoned person has lived through many seasons. Weathered by the seasons.
When not to use
Don't use it for someone who is just 'old' without the accompanying experience.
Fun facts
- The term 'seasoned timber' is still used by carpenters to describe wood that won't warp because its moisture has been removed.
Also appears in
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