Reading Theme:
Veteran Definition: Expert or Former Soldier? (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：experienced expert (veteran)
veteran
/ˈvɛtərən/
n.
A person who is very skilled and knowledgeable in a specific field because they have worked or done it for many years.
experienced expert
➕
/ɪkˈspɪriənst ˈɛkspɜːrt/
n.
A person who has worked in a specific job or activity for a long time and therefore has a high level of skill and knowledge.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'vetus' meaning old; a person with long experience in a field or in military service.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'vet' + 'ran' — a veteran has been 'vetted' and proven through years of running the race.
📖 Example
My grandfather is a veteran teacher who has inspired thousands of students over his 40-year career.
My grandfather is a highly experienced teacher who has motivated many students throughout his four-decade career.
🔗 Collocations
veteran teacher – a teacher with many years of classroom experience
veteran actor – an actor who has performed in numerous productions over a long career
veteran politician – a politician with decades of service in government
🔄 Synonyms
expert (n.) – a person with comprehensive and authoritative knowledge in a particular area
seasoned professional (n.) – a professional who has gained competence through long experience
old hand (n.) – a person who is very experienced at a particular activity
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
veteran (adj.) – having had long experience in a particular field
veteranship (n.) – the status or quality of being a veteran
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Latin 'veteranus' (old, experienced), the word was used in ancient Rome for soldiers who had completed long service. In modern English, it extends to any field with deep expertise.
Meaning 2：former military member (veteran)
veteran
/ˈvɛtərən/
n.
A person who has served in the military, especially during a war, and is now retired from active duty.
former military member
➕
/ˈfɔːrmər ˈmɪlɪtɛri ˈmɛmbər/
n.
A person who has served in the armed forces, especially during a war, and is no longer on active duty.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Many veterans volunteer at the community center, sharing their stories and skills with younger generations.
Many former military members give their time at the community center, passing on their experiences and abilities to younger people.
🔗 Collocations
war veteran – a person who served in a war, especially in combat
veterans organization – a group that supports the needs and rights of military veterans
veteran benefits – financial and medical assistance provided to former service members
🔄 Synonyms
ex-serviceman (n.) – a man who used to serve in the armed forces
former soldier (n.) – a person who was a soldier in the past
military retiree (n.) – a person who has left active military service after a full career
🚫 Antonyms
active-duty soldier (n.) – a soldier currently serving in the military
raw recruit (n.) – a new, untrained soldier
civilian (n.) – a person not in the armed services
🌱 Derivatives
veteran (adj.) – relating to or characteristic of a military veteran
veteranship (n.) – the state of having served in the armed forces
Wordbook
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