Archaic: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to something that belongs to an earlier time and is no longer in general use. Often carries a formal or historical tone.

• The language in that document is quite archaic and hard to understand
• The museum displayed archaic tools from ancient civilizations

Refers to something outdated or old-fashioned, often implying that it is no longer useful or relevant. Can have a mildly negative connotation.

• His views on gender roles are quite antiquated
• This technology is so antiquated that it's hard to find replacement parts

Describes something that is no longer in use or has been replaced by something newer and more effective. Often used in a technical or professional context.

• The floppy disk has become obsolete with the advent of USB drives
• Many old computer programs have become obsolete and are no longer supported

Used to indicate that something is old and no longer in line with modern standards or practices. It implies that an update or change is needed.

• The software is outdated and needs an update to work properly
• Fashion trends change quickly, and what was popular last year might be considered outdated now

Used when describing something extremely old, often from a distant past or early period in history. Usually used in a neutral or positive tone.

• The ancient ruins of the city are a popular tourist attraction
• They studied texts written in ancient Greek

Describes something very old or old-fashioned, often used to refer to language, customs, or objects that are no longer in use today.

• The museum had an exhibit of archaic tools from the Bronze Age.
• Her speech was filled with archaic words that no one understood.

Refers to the ancient past or the period before the Middle Ages. Often used to discuss ancient civilizations or historical periods.

• Artifacts from antiquity reveal much about the lives of early civilizations.
• The philosopher's works have been studied since antiquity.

Usually denotes an object surviving from an earlier time, and often has sentimental, historical, or religious significance.

• The cathedral houses many important relics from the medieval period.
• He kept his grandfather's watch as a cherished relic of his family's history.

Indicates a trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists. Often used in a more metaphorical sense.

• The old factory was a vestige of the town's industrial past.
• There was not a vestige of fear in her eyes.