What Does "Senior" Mean?
The word senior is an adjective and noun in English with several related meanings, often indicating higher rank, age, or experience.
Common Definitions
- Adjective: Older in age or higher in rank or authority.
Example: She holds a senior position at the company.
- Noun: A person of advanced age, typically 60 years or older.
Example: The community center offers free classes for seniors.
- Educational Context: A student in their final year of high school or college.
Example: He’s a senior at Harvard University.
Synonyms & Related Terms
Synonyms: elder, older, veteran, upperclassman (in U.S. schools), experienced.
Antonyms: junior, younger, novice, freshman.
Usage Notes
In American English, “senior” is commonly used in academic settings (e.g., “senior year”). In British English, “upper sixth” might be used instead.
When referring to elderly people, “senior citizen” is a respectful term often used in official or formal contexts.
Real-Life Examples
- Our senior editor reviewed the manuscript before publication.
- Many seniors enjoy discounted movie tickets on Tuesdays.
- As a senior, she’s applying to medical schools this fall.
Did You Know?
The word “senior” comes from the Latin word senior, meaning “older,” which itself derives from senex (“old man”). It’s also the root of words like “senate” and “senile.”