Ancient: meaning, definitions and examples

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ancient

[ ˈeɪnʃənt ]

^{Context #1}

history

belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence. Very old or aged.

Synonyms

antique, historic, old, prehistoric

Examples of usage

The ancient ruins of Rome attract millions of tourists every year.
The ancient civilization of Egypt left behind many mysteries.
The ancient manuscripts were carefully preserved in the library.
The ancient traditions of the tribe were passed down through generations.
The ancient artifacts unearthed by archaeologists shed light on the past.

^{Context #2}

time period

a person who lived in ancient times.

Synonyms

ancestor, antiquity, elder

Examples of usage

The ancients believed in mythical gods and goddesses.
The ancients had a very different way of life compared to modern society.

Translations

Translations of the word "ancient" in other languages:

🇵🇹 antigo

🇮🇳 प्राचीन

🇩🇪 alt

🇮🇩 kuno

🇺🇦 давній

🇵🇱 starożytny

🇯🇵 古代の (kodai no)

🇫🇷 ancien

🇪🇸 antiguo

🇹🇷 antik

🇰🇷 고대의 (godae-ui)

🇸🇦 قديم

🇨🇿 starověký

🇸🇰 staroveký

🇨🇳 古代的 (gǔdài de)

🇸🇮 starodaven

🇮🇸 forn

🇰🇿 ежелгі

🇬🇪 უძველესი

🇦🇿 qədim

🇲🇽 antiguo

Word origin

The word 'ancient' originated from the Latin word 'antiquus', meaning 'former' or 'aged'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe things or people from a distant past. The concept of ancient civilizations has fascinated historians, archaeologists, and scholars for centuries, leading to discoveries of lost cities, artifacts, and traditions. The term 'ancient' evokes a sense of mystery, wisdom, and timelessness, reflecting the enduring appeal of exploring the past.