Ancient

Definition

Ancient is an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it describes something that is very old or has existed for a long time, typically dating back to early history. As a noun, it refers to people or objects from ancient times.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈeɪnʃənt/
• Respelling: AYNSH-uhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈeɪnʃənt/
• Respelling: AYNSH-uhnt

Etymology

The word "ancient" originates from the Latin "antiquus," meaning "old" or "former," which evolved into Old French as "ancien." It entered Middle English in the 14th century, signifying something of great age or belonging to earlier times.

Derivatives

• Anciently (adverb)
• Ancientness (noun)
• Antiquity (noun)
• Ancestorial (adjective)
• Ancestor (noun)

Synonyms

• Old
• Antique
• Historical

Antonyms

• Modern
• Contemporary
• New

Usage

The term "ancient" is used to refer to something or someone from early history or that has existed for an extended period. For example, "The ancient ruins are a popular tourist attraction," or "He studied the writings of ancient philosophers."

Related Terms

• Antiquity: The ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages.
• Ancestor: A person from whom one is descended, typically from an older era.
• Archaic: Very old or old-fashioned.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Very old; belonging to the distant past: Refers to something that dates back many years or centuries, often to early civilizations.
  • Example: "The ancient manuscripts were preserved in the library."
• Relating to early history or civilizations: Describes something associated with early periods, such as the Roman, Egyptian, or Greek civilizations.
  • Example: "They uncovered artifacts from ancient Egypt."

Noun

• A person or object from ancient times: Refers to individuals or items that existed in the distant past.
  • Example: "The museum displayed relics from the ancients."