'antique' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'antiquus', where 'antiquus' meant 'old' or 'of long duration' (related to 'ante' meaning 'before').

'antiquus' passed into Old French as 'antique' and then into Middle English as 'antique', eventually becoming the modern English word 'antique'.

Initially, it meant 'old' or 'from an earlier time'; over time it also took on the sense of 'old but valued or collectible,' giving rise to the noun sense 'an antique' as a collectible object.