time-worn

The old, time-worn book sat open on the wooden desk.

Definition

Adjective: Worn or impaired by time; showing the effects of age or long use.
- Describes objects, places, or even ideas that have become old, faded, or shabby due to the passage of time.

Usage Examples

• (The steps were worn down and aged by long use.)
• (The furniture showed visible signs of age and use.)
• (The idea was outdated and no longer effective due to age.)

Advanced Usage

• "time-worn paths": literal or figurative routes that have been used for a long time.
  • The hikers followed a time-worn path through the forest. (A route worn by many travellers over years.)
• "time-worn traditions": customs that have been practised for many generations.
  • The festival is a time-worn tradition in the village. (A custom that has endured for a long time.)

Variants and Related Words

• Time-worn (adj) is a compound word; no common variants. Related:
  • Worn (adj): damaged or thinner from use.
    • The worn carpet needed replacement. (Damaged by use.)
  • Time-honoured (adj): respected because of age or long use.
    • It is a time-honoured custom. (A custom respected for its age.)

Synonyms

• Aged: having lived or existed for a long time.
• Antiquated: old-fashioned or obsolete.
• Weathered: worn by exposure to weather.
• Decrepit: weakened or worn out by age.

Related Idioms

• "The sands of time": a poetic reference to the passage of time, often used with "time-worn" to emphasize age.
  • The time-worn castle walls bore the marks of the sands of time. (The walls showed the effects of many years.)