antiquary
|an-ti-qua-ry|
🇺🇸
/ˈæn.tɪ.kwɛr.i/
🇬🇧
/ˈæn.tɪ.kwəri/
one who studies or collects old things
Etymology
'antiquary' originates from Latin via Old French, specifically from Medieval Latin 'antiquarius' and Old French 'antiquaire', where the Latin root 'antiquus' meant 'old'.
'antiquary' changed from Medieval Latin 'antiquarius' and Old French 'antiquaire' into Middle English 'antiquary', eventually becoming the modern English word 'antiquary'.
Initially it meant 'relating to ancient things or oldness'; over time it evolved into its current primary sense of 'a person who studies, collects, or deals in antiques/antiquities'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who studies, collects, or deals in antiques or antiquities; an antiquities enthusiast or collector.
He worked as an antiquary, specializing in Roman coins.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
(chiefly historical/older usage) A scholar or writer who researches and documents antiquities and ancient history.
Antiquaries published detailed accounts of the burial site.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/08 05:10