Meaning & Definition of word "Ancient"
to
Ancient
/ˈeɪnʃənt/
adjective:
- 1. Belonging to the very remote past and no longer in existence.
- Example: The ancient ruins of the castle attract many tourists each year.
- 2. Very old; having existed for a long time.
- Example: The ancient traditions of the tribe are still practiced today.
- 3. Of or relating to the period before the Middle Ages.
- Example: Many ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Mesopotamians, have left their mark on history.
- 4. Having been in existence for a long time.
- Example: The ancient library contained texts that were thousands of years old.
- 5. Old-fashioned or outdated.
- Example: His ancient car broke down on the way to the city.
Etymology
Middle English: from Latin 'ancient-, antiquus', 'old, ancient'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
ancient history:
Events or conditions from a long time ago; not relevant anymore.
ancient wisdom:
Knowledge or insights that are very old but still considered valuable.
ancient mariner:
A very old sailor; often referenced in literature.
Related Words
antiquity:
The ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages.
archaeology:
The study of human history through excavation and analysis of artifacts.
historical:
Of or concerning history; informative about the past.
Slang Meanings of ancient
Meaning: Something very old or outdated.
Example Sentence: That phone is so ancient, you should upgrade!
Meaning: Referring to someone acting old-fashioned.
Example Sentence: Stop being so ancient, let's go out and have some fun!