Definition

Something that has been worn down or damaged over a long period of use, often appearing old or faded.

Example

The timeworn book had pages that were yellowed and fragile.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you seen that timeworn book on the shelf?

Yeah, it looks like it has a lot of history behind it.

I wonder how many people have read those timeworn pages.

Probably countless! It must have some great stories inside.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Timeworn → It is formed from "time" (from Old English "tima", meaning a period or duration) and "worn" (from Old English "wyrnan", meaning to wear away or erode). The word "timeworn" describes something that has been worn down or aged by the passage of time.

Memory Tip

Think of something that has been 'worn away' over a long 'time' — that's why timeworn refers to something aged or eroded by time.

Visually Confused Words