Veteran

Definition

A person who has had long experience in a particular field, especially one who has served in the military.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɛtərən/
• Respelling: VET-er-uhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɛtərən/
• Respelling: VET-er-uhn

In both American and British English, "veteran" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. It features a short "e" sound as in "vet" for the first syllable, followed by "er" and ending with "uhn." The pronunciation is essentially the same in both versions of English.

Etymology

Derived from Latin "veteranus", meaning "old". In its original sense, "veteranus" referred to a person who was old in service or experience.

Derivatives

• Veteranship
• Veterancy
• Veteranize (rare usage)
• Veteranly (adjective form)
• Veteranhood

Synonyms

• Expert
• Old hand
• Pro

Antonyms

• Novice
• Newbie
• Greenhorn

Usage

• "He is a veteran of the software industry with over two decades of experience."
• "She served as a captain and is a veteran of the Iraq war."

Related Terms

• Armed forces
• Military service
• Experience
• War
• Ex-serviceman

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Military Service: A person who has served in the armed forces, especially one who has served in combat.
• Example: "The veterans were honored with a parade on Veteran's Day."

• Experienced Individual: An individual with a lot of experience, particularly in a specific field or activity.
• Example: "Being a veteran in the field, she had deep insights that the rookies lacked."

Adjective

• Experienced: Having long experience, practice, or service.
• Example: "Her veteran skills were evident in the way she handled the crisis."