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ancient

adj. · n.
US //ˈeɪnʃənt// UK //ˈeɪnʃənt// an·cient
  1. 1 having lasted a long time (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    having existed for many years.

    having lasted from a remote period; characterized by great age or long duration.

    Example

    The village is famous for its ancient oak trees that have stood for centuries.

    Example

    The hikers discovered an ancient path through the mountains, its stones worn smooth by generations of travelers long before the modern road was built.
  2. 2 people of the past (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Literary

    people who lived thousands of years ago.

    people who lived in the remote past, particularly during the classical civilizations of Greece or Rome.

    Example

    The ancients believed that the stars could predict the future of kings.

    Example

    While the ancients lacked modern telescopes, their mathematical calculations of planetary movements remain remarkably accurate even by today's standards.
    • moderns
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  1. 3 a flag or banner (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

    an old word for a flag or the person who carries it.

    a flag, banner, or standard; also refers to the rank of the officer who carries it.

    Example

    The soldier held the ancient high so the rest of the army could see it.

    Example

    In the historical play, the character of Iago holds the rank of ancient, serving as the standard-bearer for the Moorish general.
Etymology 1

From Middle English auncyen, from Old French ancien, from Vulgar Latin *anteānus, composed of Latin ante (“before”) + -ānus (adjective-forming suffix). The non-etymological /t/ is by analogy with the common ending -ent.

Etymology 2

Corruption of ensign.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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