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Wizened: meaning, definitions and examples

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wizened

 

[ ˈwɪz.ənd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

age-related appearance

The term 'wizened' refers to someone who is noticeably aged and has shriveled or wrinkled skin. It's often used to describe a person whose youthful features have faded due to age, typically conveying a sense of wisdom or experience. This word paints a vivid picture of a figure marked by time, with a nod to their life experiences. While it often has a somewhat negative connotation, suggesting frailty, it can also imply a rich history of knowledge gathered over the years.

Synonyms

aged, frail, shriveled, weathered, wrinkled

Examples of usage

  • The wizened old man shared stories from his youth.
  • She looked wizened after years of hardship.
  • The wizened tree stood tall despite its gnarled branches.
  • His wizened expression hinted at a lifetime of challenges.

Translations

Translations of the word "wizened" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encurvado

🇮🇳 बुजुर्ग

🇩🇪 verknittert

🇮🇩 keriput

🇺🇦 сухий

🇵🇱 pomarszczony

🇯🇵 しわくちゃの

🇫🇷 ridé

🇪🇸 arrugado

🇹🇷 kırışmış

🇰🇷 주름진

🇸🇦 مجعد

🇨🇿 zvrásněný

🇸🇰 zvrásnený

🇨🇳 皱缩的

🇸🇮 nabrana

🇮🇸 hrukkin

🇰🇿 жүрек

🇬🇪 ახალი

🇦🇿 qırışmış

🇲🇽 arrugado

Word origin

The word 'wizened' has its origins in the early 15th century, derived from the Middle English 'wisen,' which means to become wise or to grow. This root is linked to the Old English 'wīsan,' meaning to be wise or proficient. The transformation of the term over time implies not just the accumulation of wisdom but also the physical manifestations of age. The imagery accompanying 'wizened' often invokes the delicate balance between the sagacity gained through years and the inevitable physical decline associated with aging. Over the centuries, the word has maintained its place in English, often used in literature and conversation to describe characters who embody the wisdom and frailty that can accompany old age.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,344 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.