Ancien (en. Ancient)

/ɑ̃.sjɛ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

adjective

Dating from a past era.

This old building has been restored.

Cet ancien bâtiment a été restauré.

Of great age, no longer young.

My former teacher is now retired.

Mon ancien professeur est maintenant à la retraite.

Relating to a historical period.

The ancient Greeks had a rich culture.

Les anciens Grecs avaient une riche culture.

From Latin 'ancientem', which means 'ancient, old'.

old times

Past periods, often with a sense of nostalgia.

ancien temps

former student

A student who has already completed their studies at an institution.

ancien élève

old regime

The political or social system in place before a reform or revolution.

ancien régime

antiquity

Duration of existence or occupation in a position.

ancienneté

old world

The era or context before modernity.

ancien monde

ancestor

An ancestor, a person from the previous lineage.

ancêtre

To describe something that has a tempo, that is stylish but outdated.

This style of music is a bit old-fashioned but I love it.

Ce style de musique est un peu ancien mais j'adore.

Used to talk about a person who has a lot of experience.

My uncle is an old hand on the road, he knows everything.

Mon tonton est un ancien sur la route, il sait tout.