senior

The word “senior” means higher in rank, age, or status. In plain terms, older, higher-ranking, or in the final year of school — or, as a noun, an older adult or final-year student.

“Senior” is pronounced SEEN-yuh (/ˈsinjɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “senior” used in a sentence: “She was promoted to senior partner last year.”

Words with a similar meaning to “senior” include long in the tooth, on in years, masters and veteran.

The opposite of “senior” — its antonyms — is junior.

Depending on how it is used, “senior” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “senior” comes from Latin. From Latin senior, the comparative form of senex, "old" — the same root behind "senate" and "senility.".

“Senior” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

They are direct opposites. "Senior" means higher in rank, age, or status, while "junior" means lower or younger. A senior employee has more experience or authority; a junior one is newer or subordinate. The pair is used across workplaces, schools, and families to mark relative position.

No. "Senior" can refer to age, but at work it usually means higher in rank or status regardless of age. A younger person can be senior to an older colleague if they hold a more advanced position. Context decides whether age, rank, or status is the point being made.

At work, "senior" describes someone higher in rank, with more experience, responsibility, or authority than colleagues at a similar level. A senior manager outranks a manager, and a senior developer guides junior staff. It signals seniority earned through experience or position rather than simply age.

The opposite of senior is "junior," meaning lower in rank, age, or status. Depending on context, "subordinate," "entry-level," or "younger" can also serve as opposites. Where senior marks greater experience or authority, its counterpart marks a more junior or beginning position.