Veteran

Part of speech: noun, adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈvɛ.tə.ɹən/

Definitions

1. Someone who has long experience in a particular field or who has served in military forces
2. A person with extensive experience in a specific profession or a former member of the armed services
3. An individual recognized for their significant background in a certain area or as a retired military service member

Etymology: Latin "veterānus" meant an old soldier, someone who had served for many years and was experienced because of it. The root is "vetus," meaning "old," the same root behind "veteran" in the sense of something long-established, and behind words like "inveterate" (long-standing, deeply habitual). Roman armies relied on such men: a veteran was a seasoned soldier, valued for experience rather than age alone. The word reached English by way of Middle French "vétéran," which kept the sense of a long-serving soldier. For centuries in English, "veteran" was used mainly as an adjective for experienced, hardened people in any field, and the idea of a former soldier came to the fore only later, as in "war veteran."

Synonyms: experienced, expert, old-timer, pro, seasoned

Antonyms: novice, beginner, rookie