Senior Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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senior

[ˈsiː.njər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in school

A student in the final year of high school or college.

Synonyms

final-year student, graduate-to-be.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
senior

Can also signify someone who is of an advanced age or someone in a higher position within a company. Be cautious as it might create ambiguity without context.

  • My grandmother is a senior who enjoys her retirement.
  • She is a senior manager responsible for overseeing several departments.
final-year student

Often used in British English to describe students who are in their last year of studies at university.

  • As a final-year student, she has a lot of coursework to complete.
  • The final-year students are busy with their dissertations.
graduate-to-be

Used to describe students who are close to completing their degree and about to graduate. It emphasizes their upcoming graduation.

  • The university organized a special event for the graduate-to-be students.
  • He is a graduate-to-be, excited for his future career opportunities.

Examples of usage

  • She was excited to be a senior and graduate soon.
  • As a senior, he was looking forward to prom night.
Context #2 | Noun

age

An older person, typically over the age of 60.

Synonyms

elderly person, senior citizen.

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Word Description / Examples
senior

Commonly used in general contexts to refer to older adults, often in a formal or respectful manner. Suitable for official documents, roles, or general speaking about older individuals.

  • The senior members of the club will attend the annual meeting.
  • She received a discount because she is a senior.
elderly person

Used in more respectful or compassionate contexts, often when talking about someone who is old and possibly frail. It's polite for discussing individuals' needs or conditions.

  • The elderly person needed assistance crossing the street.
  • He volunteers at a home for elderly people.
senior citizen

Often used in formal or official contexts, such as legal documents, government programs, and public services. It emphasizes the civic status of older adults.

  • Senior citizens are eligible for certain benefits.
  • The community center offers activities for senior citizens.

Examples of usage

  • The senior citizens enjoyed their weekly bingo night.
  • He respected the wisdom of the senior members of the community.
Context #3 | Adjective

experience

Having a higher level of experience or authority in a particular job or field.

Synonyms

experienced, veteran.

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Word Description / Examples
senior

Used to describe someone with higher rank, status, or age in a professional or social setting.

  • She holds a senior position in the company.
  • The senior members of the team guided the new recruits.
experienced

Refers to someone who has gained a lot of knowledge or skill from doing something over a long period.

  • He is an experienced software developer.
  • The company is looking for an experienced project manager.
veteran

Commonly used to describe someone who has served in the military or someone with substantial experience in a particular field. Often implies respect.

  • She is a veteran journalist with over 30 years in the industry.
  • The veterans of the armed forces are honored on Veterans Day.

Examples of usage

  • She was promoted to a senior position within the company.
  • The senior engineer led the team in developing the new product.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, seniors are respected for their wisdom and experiences, often seen as the keepers of traditions.
  • In some societies, being a senior is associated with significant life celebrations, such as retirement parties and anniversaries.

Education

  • In high schools and universities, 'senior' refers to students in their final year, preparing to graduate.
  • The senior year is often associated with events like prom or graduation ceremonies, signifying transition to adulthood.

Health and Aging

  • As people age, they often experience changes in health, making senior care an important aspect of public health.
  • Social activities and community engagement are crucial for seniors to maintain mental and physical health as they age.

Psychology

  • Studies have found that seniors often have a greater emotional intelligence, allowing them to navigate social situations skillfully.
  • Aging can lead to a shift in priorities, with many seniors focusing more on relationships and personal fulfillment than on work.

Origin of 'senior'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'senior' comes from the Latin word 'senior', meaning 'older' or 'elder'.
  • In English, it was first used in the 14th century to refer to older people or those holding higher ranks.

The word 'senior' originated from the Latin word 'senior' meaning 'older, elder'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to refer to older or higher-ranking individuals. Over time, its usage has expanded to include students in their final year of education and individuals with higher levels of experience or authority.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,771, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.