Archaic: meaning, definitions and examples

🕰️

Add to dictionary

archaic

[ˈɑːrkeɪɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

old-fashioned

Archaic refers to something very old or outdated, often associated with a particular historical period. It can also describe a style of language or writing that is no longer in common use.

Synonyms

ancient, antiquated, obsolete, outdated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
archaic	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
antiquated	Refers to something outdated or old-fashioned, often implying that it is no longer useful or relevant.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
obsolete	Describes something that is no longer in use or has been replaced by something newer and more effective.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
outdated	Used to indicate that something is old and no longer in line with modern standards or practices.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 The software is outdated and needs an update to work properly Fashion trends change quickly, and what was popular last year might be considered outdated now
ancient	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

Examples of usage

His archaic beliefs were no longer relevant in the modern world.
The archaic language used in the text was difficult to understand.
The archaic customs of the tribe fascinated anthropologists.
The archaic architecture of the building was preserved for historical significance.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

archaism

Archaic can also be used as a noun to refer to something that is old-fashioned or no longer in common use. It can be a word, phrase, or style of language that is considered outdated.

Synonyms

antiquity, relic, vestige.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
archaic	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.
antiquity	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.
relic	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.
vestige	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.

Examples of usage

The use of archaic words in the poem gave it a sense of nostalgia.
She enjoyed studying archaisms in old literature.
His speech was filled with archaic expressions that confused the audience.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'arkhaikos', which means 'ancient' or 'old'.
It entered the English language in the late 16th century, originally used to describe ancient things.
Related words include 'archive' (a collection of old documents) and 'archaist' (someone who uses old-fashioned language).

Literature

Many classic works of literature contain archaic language, like Shakespeare's plays, which can sound strange to modern readers.
In poetry, using archaic terms can evoke a sense of nostalgia or timelessness.
Some writers intentionally use archaic words to create a historical setting or character voice.

History

Many legal and government documents contain archaic terms that reflect the language of the time they were written.
The study of archaic languages, such as Latin or Ancient Greek, is important for understanding historical texts and cultures.
Archaic customs and traditions can provide insight into the values and beliefs of past societies.

Cultural Impact

The revival of interest in vintage fashion often incorporates archaic styles, showcasing how old can become new again.
In music, musicians may use archaic instruments or styles to create a unique sound that honors tradition.
Some video games and movies use archaic language or settings to transport audiences back in time.

Psychology

Studies show that exposure to archaic language can affect how people perceive characters in literature, making them seem more noble or serious.
People often have nostalgic feelings towards things they perceive as archaic, linking them to personal memories or cultural heritage.
Using archaic language in therapy can sometimes help clients articulate feelings or experiences they find difficult to express.

Translations

Translations of the word "archaic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arcaico

🇮🇳 प्राचीन

🇩🇪 archaisch

🇮🇩 kuno

🇺🇦 архаїчний

🇵🇱 archaiczny

🇯🇵 古風な

🇫🇷 archaïque

🇪🇸 arcaico

🇹🇷 arkaik

🇰🇷 고풍스러운

🇸🇦 عتيق

🇨🇿 archaický

🇸🇰 archaický

🇨🇳 古老的

🇸🇮 arhaičen

🇮🇸 forn

🇰🇿 көне

🇬🇪 არქაული

🇦🇿 qədim

🇲🇽 arcaico

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,175, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
12172 genial
12173 outcrop
12174 deepened
12175 archaic
12176 polling
12177 stereo
12178 corporal
...