ancient
UK: ˈeɪnʃənt | US: ˈeɪnʃənt
adj. belonging to the very distant past
adj. having existed or continued for a very long time
n. a very old person
n. (the ancients) the people of ancient times, especially the Greeks and Romans
The word "ancient" traces back to Latin ante (before), evolving through Old French ancien to Middle English auncient. It originally emphasized temporal precedence ("from before") and later narrowed to denote great age or historical remoteness. The suffix -ent solidifies its adjectival form, aligning with Latin-derived terms like "patient" or "different."
The archaeologists discovered an ancient temple buried under the sand.
She studies ancient civilizations, focusing on Egypt and Mesopotamia.
His family owns an ancient manuscript from the 12th century.
The ancients believed the stars influenced human destiny.
Despite its ancient appearance, the building was renovated last year.