Definition

Adjective: 1. Worn or damaged by long exposure to the weather: Describing objects, surfaces, or materials that show signs of deterioration, such as fading, cracking, or erosion, due to sun, wind, rain, or other atmospheric conditions. 2. Tanned, hardened, or roughened by long exposure to the weather: Describing a person's skin or appearance that shows the effects of being outdoors for extended periods.

Usage

The adjective "weather-beaten" is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "be" or "look"). It describes the condition resulting from prolonged exposure to the elements.

Examples

• Describing objects:
  • The old sailor tied the boat to the weather-beaten dock.
  • They lived in a weather-beaten cabin in the mountains.
• Describing people:
  • The farmer had a kind, weather-beaten face.
  • Her hands were weather-beaten from years of working in the garden.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Can be used metaphorically to describe something that has endured many difficulties or challenges, giving it a seasoned, experienced quality.
  • The veteran diplomat had a weather-beaten wisdom about international affairs.

Variants and Related Words

• Weathered (adj): Similar to "weather-beaten," often implying a desirable or aesthetically pleasing effect of aging due to weather.
  • The weathered stone of the ancient wall had a beautiful patina.
• Weatherworn (adj): A synonym for "weather-beaten," emphasizing the wearing effect.
• Beat-up (adj, informal): Worn out or damaged, but not specifically by weather; can be from general use or abuse.

Synonyms

• Worn
• Weathered
• Sunburned (specifically for skin)
• Tanned (specifically for skin)
• Seasoned (figurative)

Antonyms

• Pristine
• New
• Untouched
• Unblemished

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To show one's age: While not an idiom with "weather-beaten," this phrase can describe something that appears old or worn, similar to how a "weather-beaten" object does.
• Bearing the brunt of the elements: A descriptive phrase for something that is directly and harshly exposed to weather, often leading to a "weather-beaten" state.

Adjective

1. worn by exposure to the weather
   • a house of weathered shingles
2. tanned and coarsened from being outdoors
   • a weather-beaten face