veterans - Master This Word
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veterans Word Meanings
- a person who has served in the military
- an experienced person in a particular field
- someone with long experience
veterans Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
veterans Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈvɛt.ər.ən/
US
/ˈvɛt̬.ər.ən/
veterans Word Etymology
The root 'veteran' comes from 'veteranus', meaning 'old' or 'experienced' in Latin. The term passed through Old French before entering English. Imagine an old soldier, with deep wrinkles and a proud stance, recounting tales of valor and experience.
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 square my shoulders, set my stance, and push the door a little as I move into the room. The scene unfolds like a familiar map, and I adjust my breathing to keep the moment calm. The effort shows in the careful turn of my hand and the way I hold the pace. That balance guides me as I take on a new task, little by little, letting past habit shape the present.
Real Context
Veteran is a noun with several related meanings. The primary sense is a person who has served in the military and may carry the weight of shared history, experience, and sacrifice. It is also used for someone who is highly experienced in a particular field, signaling deep knowledge and long involvement, not just age. Learners sometimes equate veteran with being old or retired, but English usage emphasizes proven experience over mere years. In everyday talk you can hear phrases like veteran journalist, veteran athlete, or a veteran officer, each highlighting sustained competence rather than age alone.
Usage Reminders
- Learn both senses: military veteran and experienced person in a field.
- Notice common collocations like veteran journalist, veteran officer.
- Remember: age is not the defining factor—it's the length/quality of experience.
- Use respectful context when applying the term to people.
- Avoid saying someone is just 'an old veteran' in casual speech.
- Check the exact noun form and whether you can pair with an adjective or a field noun.
Common Misconceptions
- Assuming veteran always means old or retired.
- Confusing veteran with vet (short for veterinarian).
- Thinking it only refers to military service.
- Using veteran as an adjective without the right noun (e. g., 'a veteran' is more common than 'veteran person').
- Ignoring the nuance that it can mean experienced in any field, not just the military.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Learn both senses: military veteran and experienced person in a field.
- Notice common collocations like veteran journalist, veteran officer.
- Remember: age is not the defining factor—it's the length/quality of experience.
- Use respectful context when applying the term to people.
- Avoid saying someone is just 'an old veteran' in casual speech.
- Check the exact noun form and whether you can pair with an adjective or a field noun.
Related Listening
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