antiquity

[ an-tik-wi-tee ]

noun

, plural an·tiq·ui·ties.

1. the quality of being ancient; ancientness:

   a bowl of great antiquity.

2. ancient times; former ages:

   the splendor of antiquity.

3. the period of history before the Middle Ages.
4. the peoples, nations, tribes, or cultures of ancient times.
5. Usually antiquities. something belonging to or remaining from ancient times, as monuments, relics, or customs.

antiquity

/ ænˈtɪkwɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being ancient or very old

   a vase of great antiquity

2. the far distant past, esp the time preceding the Middle Ages in Europe
3. the people of ancient times collectively; the ancients

Other Words From

• prean·tiqui·ty noun plural preantiquities
• suban·tiqui·ty noun plural subantiquities

Word History and Origins

Origin of antiquity¹

1350–1400; Middle English antiquite < Anglo-French < Latin antīquitās, equivalent to antīqu ( us ) old ( antique ) + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

“We rarely find continuous records of that antiquity in Australia.”

From Science Magazine

Standing where the historic and purportedly haunted Hotel Alexandria’s ballroom once saw her glory days hosting the likes of Charlie Chaplin, this Belle Epoch-style Parisian cocktail bar isn’t afraid of leaning into spooky antiquity.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1967, an unlikely American duo of Charlie Cushman, a hitchhiker, and Herbert “Skip” Cole, a postgraduate student, were sent around the country by the antiquities department, to gather up some of the heritage.

From BBC

But also, getting into the film, you take a look at antiquity.

From Salon

Accompanied by his wife, Anne Grace, Lyon also captured southern India's archaeological sites and architectural antiquities.

From BBC

Related Words

• antique
• relic