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Antiquity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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antiquity

[ænˈtɪkwəti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in history

The ancient past, especially the period of history before the Middle Ages.

Synonyms

ancient times, bygone era, olden days.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
antiquity

Used when referring to ancient history or objects of significant age and historical importance.

  • The museum has a vast collection of artifacts from antiquity.
  • Historians often study the texts of Greek and Roman antiquity.
ancient times

Typically used when talking about periods far back in history, often focusing on civilizations that existed several thousands of years ago.

  • In ancient times, people believed in many gods.
  • The techniques used in ancient times are still impressive today.
bygone era

Refers to a period in the past, often evoking nostalgia or a sense of something lost. It can refer to periods closer to the present than 'ancient times'.

  • The architecture of the bygone era had a distinct style.
  • In the bygone era, life was simpler and more connected to nature.
olden days

Used informally to talk about the past, typically with a nostalgic tone, often not as far back as 'ancient times'.

  • In the olden days, people used to write letters by hand.
  • Stories from the olden days often depict simpler lifestyles.

Examples of usage

  • The statue dates back to antiquity.
  • Scholars study the art of antiquity to learn more about ancient civilizations.
Context #2 | Noun

archeology

The quality of being ancient; ancientness.

Synonyms

age, ancientness, oldness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
antiquity

Generally refers to the distant past, often related to ancient civilizations or historical periods.

  • The ruins date back to antiquity
  • Scholars often study the art and culture of antiquity
age

Commonly used to denote the length of time a person, place, or thing has existed.

  • What is the age of this building? At the age of 50, she decided to travel the world
ancientness

Used to describe the quality of being very old, often with a focus on historical or cultural significance.

  • The ancientness of the pyramids is awe-inspiring
  • There's a sense of ancientness that surrounds these artifacts
oldness

Refers to the state of being old and can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation depending on the context.

  • The oldness of the book was evident from its yellowed pages
  • They were concerned about the oldness of the equipment

Examples of usage

  • The archaeologists were fascinated by the antiquity of the artifacts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia are key subjects of study in antiquity, known for their pyramids and ziggurats.
  • The term is often used to describe the study and preservation of ancient artifacts that inform us about earlier societies.
  • Great philosophers like Socrates and Confucius lived in antiquity, shaping the way we think about ethics and governance today.

Literature

  • Many classic texts, such as Homer's 'Iliad' and Virgil's 'Aeneid,' come from antiquity and remain influential.
  • The art and literature from ancient Rome and Greece set standards that resonate in storytelling and theater even now.
  • Poetic forms and narrative styles from antiquity paved the way for modern literature, establishing foundational elements like epic poetry and drama.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books frequently explore themes of antiquity, like 'Gladiator' and 'The Mummy,' igniting public interest in ancient history.
  • Antiquity often inspires popular video games, such as 'Assassin's Creed Odyssey' which lets players experience ancient Greece.
  • Fashion and art from antiquity influence contemporary styles, with designers drawing inspiration from the shapes and motifs of ancient cultures.

Science

  • Archaeology is the science that studies human history through the recovery and analysis of material remains from antiquity.
  • Carbon dating is often used by scientists to date artifacts from antiquity, helping us understand timelines of human civilization.
  • Paleontology, while focused on prehistoric life, often overlaps with antiquity as scientists study ancient life forms from earlier epochs.

Origin of 'antiquity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'antiquity' comes from the Latin word 'antiquitas,' meaning 'ancient times' or 'old age.'
  • In Middle English, the term referred to the ancient world, especially Greek and Roman civilizations.
  • The suffix '-ity' in 'antiquity' is used to form nouns that express a state or quality, indicating the nature of being ancient.

The word 'antiquity' comes from the Latin word 'antiquitas', which means 'ancient times' or 'ancient quality'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to the ancient past or the quality of being ancient. The concept of antiquity has been a subject of fascination for historians, archaeologists, and scholars, as it provides insights into the origins and development of human civilization.

See also: antiquated, antiques, antiquities.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,102 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.