What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
weathered
Example
The old barn had a weathered appearance, with its faded paint and worn wood. [weathered: adjective]
Example
Her face was weathered from years of working outdoors. [weathered: verb]
rugged
Example
The rugged terrain made hiking difficult. [rugged: adjective]
Example
He had a rugged build, with broad shoulders and strong arms. [rugged: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rugged is more commonly used than weathered in everyday language. Rugged is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while weathered is less common and refers specifically to the effects of weathering on an object.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between weathered and rugged?
While weathered is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, rugged can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.