'antiquarianism' originates from Modern English, formed from 'antiquarian' + the suffix '-ism'; 'antiquarian' ultimately derives from Latin 'antiquarius', where 'antiquus' meant 'old'.

'antiquarianism' changed from Middle English 'antiquary' (from Old French 'antiquaire') and later became 'antiquarian' with the addition of the suffix '-ism' to form the modern English noun 'antiquarianism'.

Initially, related words referred to an 'antiquary' or dealer/scholar of antiquities (concerned with old things); over time the term evolved to denote the study, collecting, or interest in antiquities generally ('the study or pursuit of ancient objects').