weathering

Meanings

1. 1noununcountabletechnical

   The natural process by which rock, wood, or other materials are slowly broken down by wind, rain, or temperature changes.

   Grammar: Used without 'a' or a plural: 'Weathering is a slow process.'

   Patterns

   • weathering of something
   • weathering by wind/water

   The weathering of the limestone cliffs has created many caves.

   Wind and rain cause weathering of the old stone walls.

2. 2noununcountablefigurative

   The changes in someone's appearance or character caused by time and difficult experiences.

   Grammar: Often used figuratively, especially in 'the weathering of a face' or 'the weathering of a reputation'.

   Patterns

   • weathering of a face
   • weathering of a reputation

   The weathering of his face showed years of hard work outdoors.

   The scandal caused some weathering of her public image.

Common combinations

chemical weathering

Chemical weathering changes the minerals in rocks.

physical weathering

Physical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemistry.

weathering process

The weathering process is faster in wet climates.

weathering of rocks

The weathering of rocks is studied in geology.

Synonyms and how they differ

erosion

Erosion includes the movement of broken material away, while weathering only breaks it down in place.

decay

Decay often suggests rotting or breaking down by living organisms, not by weather.

Word family

weather verb

To be worn or damaged by the weather, or to survive a difficult situation.

weathered adjective

Worn or damaged by the weather; also used for a face that looks old and lined.

Commonly confused: weathering or erosion?

Practice

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