Antiquity
noun /ænˈtɪk.wɪ.ti/ — Ancient times; the ancient world
Definition
The ancient past — particularly the classical world of Greece and Rome — or an object from that period. Also the quality of being ancient.
Beyond the definition
The depth of time as a felt quality. Antiquity is not just old — it is old in the way that has shaped everything since, the past that is also foundation.
Origin & history
From Latin 'antiquitas' (ancient times, the ancients) — from 'antiquus' (old, former). The quality of belonging to what came before.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The museum's collection of antiquity — vases, coins, fragments — felt like looking at the foundations of thought.
Some writers reach back to antiquity for their references, not for nostalgia but for precision.
There is a peculiar comfort in antiquity: proof that humans before us faced similar problems and survived.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Antiquity” when the meaning fits your context: The ancient past — particularly the classical world of Greece and Rome — or an object from that period. Also the quality of being ancient.
Synonyms
ancient times, classical era, ancient world, olden times
Antonyms
modernity, contemporary
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Antiquity" mean?
Antiquity is noun meaning: Ancient times; the ancient world. The ancient past — particularly the classical world of Greece and Rome — or an object from that period. Also the quality of being ancient.
Where does the word "Antiquity" come from?
From Latin 'antiquitas' (ancient times, the ancients) — from 'antiquus' (old, former). The quality of belonging to what came before.