Origin of the word
The first recorded use of the adjective weathered was in the late 1700s. It comes ultimately from the Old English word ‘weder’, or ‘weather’, which has a Germanic origin. The word is derived from the verb weather, which means ‘to wear away through exposure’ and was first used in English during the mid 1700s. The original noun, weather, has been in the English language since before the 12th century, proving that this is one term that has stood the test of time.
Examples
“He jangles a bowl of finished fire steels; they’re flat, thin, weathered-looking little cuboids, with ends that roll backwards into elaborate curlicued tails. ‘We’re making a piece that will last more than 100 years,’ he says cheerfully.” – The Telegraph, Sunday 27th August 2017: The baptism of fire that made me a man of steel.
“They contrast beautifully with his weathered voice, no longer the Philly snarl of 2011’s Slave Ambient, but a longing, disembodied presence that distils this in-between state: ‘All this living and no life,’ he sighs.” – The Guardian, Sunday 27th August 2017: The War on Drugs: A Deeper Understanding review – deeper but not darker.
Definition
1: structure or natural landmark that has been worn, or altered in colour or texture by exposure to the elements, including air, wind, rain, frost or extreme heat
2: wood that has been deliberately treated or discoloured to make it appear older than it is
3: the appearance or features of a person seemingly aged, or affected by the elements and time
4: the process of surviving a challenging experience without being physically harmed
5: a windowsill, ledge or roof that has been created with a sloped surface to allow the passing of rainwater
View the full definition in the Macmillan Dictionary.
