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Antediluvian: meaning, definitions and examples

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antediluvian

 

[ ˌæn.tɪ.dɪˈluː.vi.ən ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

ancient times

The term 'antediluvian' refers to anything that existed before the biblical flood described in the Book of Genesis. It often describes something extremely old or outdated. In a broader context, it can also be used to label ideas, practices, or artifacts that are considered obsolete or archaic. This word is typically used in discussions around history, archaeology, and literary analysis.

Synonyms

ancient, outdated, primitive

Examples of usage

  • The museum showcased antediluvian artifacts.
  • His views on technology are antediluvian.
  • The antediluvian landscape was marvelously preserved in the exhibit.

Translations

Translations of the word "antediluvian" in other languages:

🇵🇹 antediluviano

🇮🇳 प्राचीन

🇩🇪 antediluvian

🇮🇩 sebelum banjir

🇺🇦 антедилувіанський

🇵🇱 antediluwiański

🇯🇵 洪水の前の

🇫🇷 antédiluvien

🇪🇸 antediluviano

🇹🇷 tufandan önceki

🇰🇷 홍수 이전의

🇸🇦 ما قبل الطوفان

🇨🇿 antediluvijský

🇸🇰 antediluvský

🇨🇳 大洪水之前的

🇸🇮 antediluvijski

🇮🇸 forflóðs

🇰🇿 су тасқынына дейінгі

🇬🇪 ანტედილუვიური

🇦🇿 fəlakətə qədər

🇲🇽 antediluviano

Etymology

The word 'antediluvian' is derived from the Latin 'ante', meaning 'before', and 'diluvium', meaning 'flood'. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin texts that referenced the Great Flood, specifically in the context of the biblical narrative found in the Book of Genesis. The term gained prominence in the English language during the 19th century as scholars began exploring ancient civilizations and their relics. Initially used in religious texts and discussions, it evolved to describe antiquities and things that are considered hopelessly outdated or obsolete. As time has progressed, 'antediluvian' has been adopted in more secular discussions, often connoting a sense of being ridiculously out of touch with the modern era.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,536 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.