well-worn
Shabby from use
Well-worn describes something showing the effects of long or heavy use: well-worn shoes, a well-worn path through the woods.
The literal sense of physical wear extends to ideas and expressions that have been used so often they've lost freshness: well-worn phrases, well-worn arguments.
A well-worn favorite is comfortably familiar, while a well-worn cliché is tired and stale—context determines whether the wear implies affection or exhaustion.
Worn until transparent
- fadedLost original color
- softenedMade less severe
- comfortablePhysically at ease
- broken-inSoftened through use
shabby · distressed · secondhand · preloved · patched · frayed · tattered · familiar
Overused, unoriginal expression
- platitudeTrite, overused remark
- hackneyedOverused and unoriginal
- overusedEmployed too frequently
- tiredLacking energy, needing rest
trite · stale · banal · unoriginal · stock · formulaic · predictable · recycled
Held dear, prized
- sentimentalExcessively emotional about memories
- heirloomInherited family treasure
- memoriesStored past experiences
- treasuredRegarded with deep affection
keepsake · beloved · evocative · wistful · handed-down · storied · remembrance · mementos
Earned belief in
- dependableWorthy of trust
- faithfulConsistently loyal and true
- provenEstablished as fact
- tried-and-trueProven reliable over time
steady · consistent · familiar · comfortable · reassuring · solid · sturdy · durable
threadbare
Worn until transparent
- fadedLost original color
- softenedMade less severe
- comfortablePhysically at ease
broken-in · shabby · distressed · secondhand · preloved · patched · frayed · tattered · familiar · beloved
cliché
Overused, unoriginal expression
tired · trite · stale · banal · unoriginal · stock · formulaic · predictable · recycled · repeated
cherished
Held dear, prized
- sentimentalExcessively emotional about memories
- heirloomInherited family treasure
- memoriesStored past experiences
treasured · keepsake · beloved · evocative · wistful · handed-down · storied · remembrance · mementos · timeworn
trusted
Earned belief in
- dependableWorthy of trust
- faithfulConsistently loyal and true
- provenEstablished as fact
tried-and-true · steady · consistent · familiar · comfortable · reassuring · solid · sturdy · durable · resilient
trail
Path through wilderness
groove · rut · beaten · trodden · trampled · traveled · familiar · dusty · muddy · eroded