ancient
|an/cient|
B1
/ˈeɪnʃənt/
very old
Etymology
Etymology Information
'ancient' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'antiquus,' where 'ante-' meant 'before' and '-iquus' meant 'of old.'
Historical Evolution
'antiquus' transformed into the Old French word 'ancien,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ancient' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'of old or former times,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'belonging to the distant past.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence.
The ancient ruins were discovered by archaeologists.
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Antonyms
Adjective 2
having been in existence for a very long time.
The ancient oak tree stood tall in the forest.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35