Veteran Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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veteran

[ˈvɛtərən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

military service

A person who has served in the military, especially during a war. Veterans have valuable experience and skills that they gained during their time in the armed forces.

Synonyms

soldier, trooper, warrior.

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Word Description / Examples
veteran

Referring to someone who has long and extensive experience in a particular field or profession, particularly in the military.

  • After 20 years of service, he retired as a decorated veteran.
  • She is a veteran journalist with decades of experience.
warrior

Describes a person who is trained to fight and often has connotations of bravery and honor, sometimes used metaphorically to describe someone who is strong and brave in life.

  • The ancient warrior was adorned with battle scars.
  • He faced his illness like a true warrior, never giving up.
soldier

A person who serves in an army and is involved in military duties.

  • The soldier stood guard at the entrance.
  • As a soldier, he was trained to handle various weapons.
trooper

Typically refers to a soldier in a specific type of military unit or cavalry; can also be used casually to describe someone who endures difficult situations.

  • The trooper patrolled the border, looking for any signs of trouble.
  • Despite the bad weather, she was a real trooper and continued with her plans.

Examples of usage

  • The ceremony honored all the veterans who had bravely served their country.
  • My grandfather is a veteran of the Vietnam War and has many stories to tell.
Context #2 | Noun

experience

An individual with a lot of experience in a particular field or activity. Veterans are often highly respected for their knowledge and expertise.

Synonyms

expert, seasoned professional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
veteran

This word is generally used to describe someone who has long and extensive experience in a particular field or activity. It is often used in contexts involving the military, but can also be applied to other professions.

  • He is a veteran of the tech industry, having worked in Silicon Valley for over 30 years.
  • The meeting included several war veterans sharing their stories.
expert

An expert is someone with a high level of skill or knowledge in a specific area. This term is broad and can be used in almost any context to denote proficiency and advanced understanding.

  • She is an expert in cybersecurity and has written several books on the topic.
  • The museum hired an art expert to authenticate the new acquisition.
seasoned professional

This term is best used to describe someone who has considerable experience and has honed their skills over time in a professional setting. It conveys a sense of both experience and professionalism.

  • As a seasoned professional, he quickly identified the root of the problem and provided a solution.
  • The company is looking to hire a seasoned professional with at least 10 years of experience in financial management.

Examples of usage

  • She is a veteran in the field of marketing, having worked in the industry for over 20 years.
  • The company hired a veteran programmer to lead the new project.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • In ancient Rome, veterans were honored with land and benefits for their service, paving the way for military recognition.
  • The concept of recognizing veterans has evolved, and various countries celebrate Veterans Day or Remembrance Day to honor their service.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often depict veterans as heroes, showcasing their bravery and the challenges they face after returning home.
  • Video games, particularly those centered on war, frequently feature veteran characters that embody strategical thinking and experience.

Psychology

  • Many veterans may experience PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), requiring support and understanding from their communities.
  • The transition from military to civilian life can be difficult and involves adjustments to new roles and environments.

Society

  • Veterans often become advocates for military families, using their experiences to improve policies and benefits.
  • Organizations exist to help veterans integrate into society, offering services like job training, health care, and counseling.

Origin of 'veteran'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'veteranus', meaning 'old' or 'experienced'.
  • Initially, it referred to an old soldier or someone who has served in the army for a long time.

The word 'veteran' originated from the Latin word 'vetus', meaning 'old'. In ancient Rome, 'veteran' was used to refer to soldiers who had completed their military service. Over time, the term evolved to encompass anyone with extensive experience or service in a particular field.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,217 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.