Langimage
English

antiques

|an-tique|

B2

/ænˈtiːk/

(antique)

old and valuable

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleComparativeSuperlativeNounAdjectiveAdjectiveAdverb
antiqueantiquesantiquesantiquedantiquedantiquingmore antiquemost antiqueantiquesantiquatedantiquedantiquely
Etymology
Etymology Information

'antique' originates from Latin and Old French: specifically from Latin 'antiquus' meaning 'old', passed into Old French as 'antique'.

Historical Evolution

'antiquus' changed into Old French 'antique' and was adopted into Middle English as 'antique', eventually becoming the modern English word 'antique' (and plural 'antiques').

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'of long ago' or simply 'old'; over time it evolved to often imply 'old and valuable' or 'collectible because of age' in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

plural form of 'antique': objects (such as furniture, art, or decorative items) that are old and valued for their age, rarity, craftsmanship, or historical interest.

She sells antiques from the 19th century in her shop.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

items offered for sale as antiques; goods bought and sold by dealers or at auctions (collective sense).

The market was full of antiques and vintage items.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

third person singular present form of 'antique': to treat or present something as an antique (for example, to make something appear old or to sell it as an antique).

He antiques old tables to increase their value for collectors.

Synonyms

age (artificially)distress (to make look old)pass off as antique

Antonyms

modernizerestore (to like-new condition)

Last updated: 2025/09/08 10:19