The word "experience" has several synonyms that can be used in different contexts. Here are some of them and their analyses:
Undergo
This term implies going through or enduring a particular situation or event. It often suggests a more passive role in the experience, as if one is subjected to something. For example, "He underwent a difficult surgery." Here, the person is not actively seeking the experience but rather is forced to endure it.
Encounter
"Encounter" emphasizes coming across or meeting with something unexpectedly. It implies a chance or accidental nature of the experience. For instance, "She encountered a beautiful sunset on her walk." The experience of seeing the sunset was not planned but happened by chance.
Go through
This phrase indicates a process of experiencing something from start to finish. It can be used for both positive and negative experiences. For example, "They went through a tough time during the recession." It shows that they lived through the entire period of economic difficulty.
Expertise
While not exactly the same as "experience," expertise implies a high level of knowledge and skill gained through experience. It is more focused on the result of having had many experiences in a particular field. For example, "He has expertise in finance." This means he has extensive knowledge and experience in the field of finance.
Know-how
Know-how refers to practical knowledge and skill gained through experience. It is often associated with being able to do something effectively. For instance, "She has the know-how to fix a car." This shows that she has the practical experience and skills to repair a car.
Proficiency
Proficiency indicates a high degree of skill or competence gained through practice and experience. It is often used in the context of language learning or performing a particular task. For example, "He has proficiency in speaking Spanish." This means he has a high level of skill and experience in speaking the Spanish language.