Added 8 October 2026
experience
/ɪkˈspɪə.ɹi.əns/ noun
In Latin: perītia Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about experience at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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The effect upon the judgment or feelings produced by any event, whether witnessed or participated in; personal and direct impressions as contrasted with description or fancies; personal acquaintance; actual enjoyment or suffering.
It was an experience he would not soon forget.
- An activity one has performed.
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A collection of events and/or activities from which an individual or group may gather knowledge, opinions, and skills.
Virtually all employers now require jobseekers to have work experience even for entry-level roles. Many believe this will hurt companies in the long run.
verb
Origin
From Middle English experience, from Old French, from Latin experientia (“a trial, proof, experiment, experimental knowledge, experience”), from experiens, present participle of experiri (“to try, put to the test, undertake, undergo”), from ex (“out”) + peritus (“experienced, expert”), past participle of *periri (“to go through”); see expert and peril. Displaced native Old English āfandung (“experience”) and āfandian (“to experience”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)