experiences - Master This Word
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experiences Word Meanings
- knowledge or skill gained from doing something
- an event or occurrence that leaves an impression
- to undergo or live through something
experiences Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
- I want to experience new things.
- Her trip was a great experience.
- He has a lot of teaching experience.
- This job will give you good experience.
- My first concert was an unforgettable experience.
experiences Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪkˈspɪəriəns/
US
/ɪkˈspɪriəns/
experiences Word Etymology
ex- = out of, per- = fully, capere = to seize. Originated from Latin, then passed through Old French before it settled in English. Picture someone fully grasping an experience as if they are holding onto the essence of a moment.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I place my hand on the steering wheel and turn it a notch, watching the road respond. The bend comes, the car shifts, and I tighten then ease my grip as I adjust to the curve. I push through a moment of doubt, I move my eyes to scan the road, and the street lights settle into a steady rhythm. That moment of effort feels like a seed of experience I can carry forward when I need to act again.
Real Context
Experience refers to knowledge or skill gained from doing something, or the practical contact with and observation of facts or events. It can describe what you have learned through work or life, not just theory. It can also mean an event or occurrence that leaves a strong impression, or a particular situation you have lived through. In the verb sense, to experience something means to undergo or live through it, which emphasizes the process rather than the outcome. The noun is often countable (an experience, many experiences) and frequently collocates with adjectives like first, lifelong, or hands-on. Remember prepositions: you experience something; you gain experience in a field; you have an experience of something.
Usage Reminders
- - Use experience as a noun for skills learned or a memorable event.
- - The verb form is to experience something, emphasizing the process.
- - Common collocations: experience in/at/with, gain experience, have experience in a field.
- - Distinguish experience from experiment; an experiment is a test, not a life skill.
- - For countable use, say an experience; for general sense, use experience as uncountable.
Common Misconceptions
- Experience is only about events, not skills.
- All uses of experience are interchangeable with experiment.
- Experience always refers to a single moment, not a process.
- You must always use 'an experience' for any occurrence.
- Experience automatically implies a long time; it cannot be short.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: English uses experience for both skills and lived events; the verb to experience highlights process.
Learning Tips
- Study the noun vs verb forms (experience vs to experience).
- Learn common collocations: experience in/at/with, gain experience, have experience in.
- Keep straight with 'an experience' vs 'experiences' for countability.
- Differentiate experience from experiment to avoid false friends.
- Practice prepositions after experience (in, with, through).
- Read and listen to real-life contexts to see how it changes meaning.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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