# ancient

/ˈeɪnʃənt/ (US) · /ˈeɪnʃənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ancient
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. having lasted a long time

adjective · CEFR B1

having existed for many years.

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

- The village is famous for its ancient oak trees that have stood for centuries.
- The hikers discovered an ancient path through the mountains, its stones worn smooth by generations of travelers long before the modern road was built.

### 3. people of the past

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

people who lived thousands of years ago.

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

- The ancients believed that the stars could predict the future of kings.
- While the ancients lacked modern telescopes, their mathematical calculations of planetary movements remain remarkably accurate even by today's standards.

### 4. a flag or banner

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

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

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

- The soldier held the ancient high so the rest of the army could see it.
- In the historical play, the character of Iago holds the rank of ancient, serving as the standard-bearer for the Moorish general.

## Examples

- We visited the ancient ruins during our trip to Greece.
- Archaeologists discovered an ancient burial site that dates back to the Bronze Age.
- The philosopher argued that modern political systems still rest upon the foundations laid by ancient civilizations, whose legal codes continue to influence contemporary jurisprudence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.