Dated

Part of Speech

Adjective / Verb (past tense of "date")

Pronunciation

/ˈdeɪtɪd/

Definitions

• (Adjective) Marked with a date.
• (Adjective) Outdated; no longer fashionable or relevant.
• (Verb - Past Tense) Had a romantic relationship with someone.

Usage Examples

• "The document was properly dated and signed by both parties."
• "Her outfit looked quite dated compared to modern styles."
• "He dated her for three years before they got engaged."

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English word "date," which comes from Old French "date" (meaning time reference), and from Latin "datum" (given). The adjective meaning "old-fashioned" appeared in the early 20th century.

Synonyms

• Outdated
• Old-fashioned
• Obsolete
• Antiquated
• Time-stamped

Antonyms

• Modern
• Updated
• Trendy
• Current

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈdeɪtɪd/
• American English: /ˈdeɪtɪd/

Historical Usage

The term "dated" as an adjective first emerged in the 19th century to refer to something assigned a date. Its use to mean "out of fashion" became popular in the early 20th century.

Cultural Nuances

In fashion, design, and language, being "dated" often has a negative connotation, implying something is no longer in style. However, in historical or archival contexts, "dated" can simply refer to something documented with a specific time reference.

More Information

The word "dated" is commonly used in various contexts, including relationships, documents, and trends. While in one sense it refers to something marked with a specific time, in another it implies obsolescence. The evolution of its meaning reflects changing cultural attitudes toward time and relevance.