ancient
1[ eyn-shuhnt ]
/ ˈeɪn ʃənt /
adjective
noun
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Origin of ancient
1First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English auncien, from Anglo-French; Old French ancien, from unattested Vulgar Latin antiānus, equivalent to Latin ante(ā) “before” (see ante-) + -ānus adjective suffix (see -an); late Middle English forms with -t- developed by confusion with the present participle ending -nt (see -ent)
synonym study for ancient
2, 3. Ancient, antiquated, antique, old-fashioned refer to something dating from the past. Ancient implies existence or first occurrence in a distant past: an ancient custom. Antiquated connotes something too old or no longer useful: an antiquated building. Antique suggests a curious or pleasing quality in something old: antique furniture. Old-fashioned may disparage something as being out of date or may approve something old as being superior: an old-fashioned hat; old-fashioned courtesy.
OTHER WORDS FROM ancient
an·cient·ness, nounWords nearby ancient
Definition for ancient (2 of 2)
ancient2
[ eyn-shuhnt ]
/ ˈeɪn ʃənt /
noun Obsolete.
the bearer of a flag.
a flag, banner, or standard; ensign.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for ancient (1 of 2)
ancient1
/ (ˈeɪnʃənt) /
adjective
noun
Derived forms of ancient
ancientness, nounWord Origin for ancient
C14: from Old French ancien, from Vulgar Latin anteanus (unattested), from Latin ante before
British Dictionary definitions for ancient (2 of 2)
ancient2
/ (ˈeɪnʃənt) /
noun archaic
a flag or other banner; standard
a standard-bearer; ensign
Word Origin for ancient
C16: changed from ensign through the influence of ancient 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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