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experience Definition

ex·peri·ence (ek spir′ē əns, ik-)

noun

  1. the act of living through an event or events; personal involvement in or observation of events as they occur
  2. anything observed or lived through an experience he'll never forget
    1. all that has happened in one's life to date not within his experience
    2. everything done or undergone by a group, people in general, etc.
  4. the effect on a person of anything or everything that has happened to that person; individual reaction to events, feelings, etc.
    1. activity that includes training, observation of practice, and personal participation
    2. the period of such activity
    3. knowledge, skill, or practice resulting from this

Etymology: ME < OFr < L experientia, trial, proof, experiment < experiens, prp. of experiri, to try, test: see peril

transitive verb -·enced, -·enc·ing

to have experience of; personally encounter or feel; meet with; undergo

experience Synonyms

experience

n.

  1. The act of living through events

    participation, involvement, undergoing, direct observation, encountering, contact, exposure, practice, strife, struggle, endurance, action, actuality, reality, activity, existence, continuance, school of hard knocks*; see also life 1, 2.

  2. What one lives through

    occurrence, encounter, happening, adventure; see event 1, 2.

  3. That which one gains from having lived

    background, skill, knowledge, perspicacity, wisdom, practice, familiarity, acquaintance, conversance, maturity, seasoning, judgment, practical knowledge, sense, savoir-faire, sophistication, worldliness, proficiency, expertise, know-how*.

experience Synonyms

experience

v.

undergo, feel, live through, encounter; see endure 2, feel 2, undergo.

experience Usage Examples

Object

  • difficulty: All students Any current student at King's who is experiencing unforeseen financial difficulties can apply to the College's hardship funds.
  • problem: Paul James with a camera and equipment many times better than mine, experiences the same problem.
  • violence: All women and children who are experiencing, or have recently experienced, domestic violence can contact us.
  • symptom: Community surveys of adolescents have suggested that at any given time 1 % to over 3 % are experiencing symptoms of OCD.

Converse of object

  • gain: My washing machine experience I've gained experience of most aspects of washing machines during my 29 years in the washing machine trade.
  • learn: Our role is to engage children in quality learning experiences, giving them the best possible start in life.
  • have: Once I have a few years experience under my belt there are a number of options.
  • share: Friends who may have the same pain problem as you so you can share experiences?
  • enhance: A tailored program of research skills training is agreed with students at the beginning of their studies, to enhance the individual learning experience.

Adjective modifier

  • previous: Many of these are for people with previous relevant experience.
  • extensive: He has extensive experience in private law children matters.
  • practical: You must at all times, in every moment, use your practical experience to really adhere to this idea of change.
  • personal: My own personal experience would suggest finding a group closer to home.
  • relevant: Many of these are for people with previous relevant experience.
  • considerable: She has had considerable experience of running school libraries in London.

Adjective complement

first-hand: Covering ground cross-country, you will experience first-hand the changing landscapes, weather, wildlife, and culture of your chosen destination.

Noun used with modifier

  • work: Students often base their final year project on their work experience in year three.
  • shopping: Welcome to a totally new garden and leisure shopping experience.
  • year: Once I have a few years experience under my belt there are a number of options.

Modifies a noun

placement: Individual work experience placements are organized toward the end of Year 10.