- Today's Word
Wizened
WIH-zuhnd
Definition
- (adjective) Shriveled, wrinkled, or withered, often due to age or exposure.
Example
The wizened old man sat by the fire, his face etched with the lines of a life well-lived.
Fun Fact
“Wizened” comes from the Middle English wisenen, meaning “to dry up or shrivel.” While often associated with age, the term can also describe anything that has become weathered over time, such as dried fruit, ancient parchment, or even landscapes exposed to harsh elements. Literature frequently uses “wizened” to evoke wisdom and resilience, reinforcing the idea that age and experience leave their mark in both physical and metaphorical ways.
(noun) A burden, duty, or responsibility—especially one that is difficult or unwelcome.
The onus of proving the theory fell on the scientists who proposed it.
From Latin onus, meaning “load” or “burden.”