Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈeɪnʃənt/ (AYN-shənt)

Definitions

• 1. Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence.
• 2. Having existed for a very long time; old-fashioned or archaic.
• 3. (of a civilization, culture, or society) In existence for a long time, typically thousands of years.
• 4. Of or relating to antiquity, particularly to the civilizations of ancient history, such as those of Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Usage Examples

• "The ancient ruins of Rome attract millions of tourists each year."
• "The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia are some of the earliest known to humanity."
• "She studied ancient Greek philosophy as part of her university degree."

Etymology

The word "ancient" comes from the Latin "ante" meaning "before," and the suffix "-ent," forming "ancient," meaning "having existed long ago." It was first used in Middle English in the 14th century to refer to people or things that existed in the distant past.

Synonyms

• Old
• Antique
• Primitive
• Archaic
• Prehistoric
• Venerable
• Historic
• Timeless

Antonyms

• Modern
• Contemporary
• New
• Recent
• Current
• Futuristic

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "ancient" is generally consistent across English-speaking regions, but in some British accents, such as those in Northern England, the first vowel may be slightly shorter, sounding closer to "AN-shent" rather than "AYN-shənt." In American English, the pronunciation may have a more relaxed or flattened "t" sound at the end, closer to "AYN-shuhnt."

Historical Usage

The word "ancient" has been used since the 14th century to describe things that belong to the distant past. It originally referred to historical periods, especially classical civilizations like Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. Over time, it expanded to describe anything from the distant past, including ancient monuments, artifacts, and cultures.

Cultural Nuances

The term "ancient" carries a sense of respect and reverence, particularly when applied to cultures, civilizations, or objects from long ago. In many cultures, the idea of something "ancient" often suggests wisdom, lasting significance, or historical value. For instance, ancient temples or texts are often viewed as repositories of profound knowledge or spiritual insight.

More Information

"Ancient" typically refers to things that existed in times long past, especially before the Middle Ages. It is commonly used to describe civilizations, cultures, or periods in history such as Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. The term also refers to objects, languages, traditions, and customs that have existed for a long time. While the word often carries connotations of great age, it can also imply that something has endured or maintained its importance through the ages.