antic
|an-tic|
/ˈæntɪk/
playful behavior
Etymology
'antic' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'antico', where the root 'antiqu-' meant 'old'.
'antic' passed into English in the 16th century via Italian 'antico' (and ultimately from Latin 'antiquus'), and its usage shifted from senses related to 'antique/old' to describe odd or grotesque figures and actions; from these descriptive uses came the modern sense of 'antic' as a ludicrous or bizarre action.
Initially, it meant 'old' or 'antique' (through 'antico'/'antiquus'), but over time it evolved into the current meaning of a 'ludicrous, grotesque, or playful action.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a playful, silly, or grotesque act or gesture; often used in the plural 'antics' to refer to outrageous or amusing behavior.
He performed an antic to make the children laugh.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/28 04:14