wizened
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “wizened” mean?
adjective.shriveled or wrinkled with age.
SAT Usage
this term is often found in passages about aging, wisdom, or the passage of time. It emphasizes not just physical decline, but also the accumulation of life experiences and insights, contrasting with words like "elderly," which focus solely on age without the connotation of wisdom or character.
Common Confusions
Wizened implies a deep wisdom gained through life's experiences, while elderly usually suggests merely the state of being old without any connotation of insight or character.
Do not choose wizened if the context emphasizes vitality or youthfulness rather than being shriveled or wrinkled with age.
Example Sentences
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The wizened elder sat quietly at the head of the table.