antīquus
The English word "ancient" is translated into Latin as antīquus.
antīquus is used to describe things that are existent or occurring in time long past. Beyond a strictly chronological sense, it is also frequently used to describe something as "old-fashioned" or "traditional" in terms of its character or style.
Meaning: existent or occurring in time long past (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form is antīqua, the neuter form is antīquum and the masculine plural form is antīquī.
Did you know?
- While antīquus means 'ancient', Romans used the word vetus for something that was simply 'old' or worn out.
- In Latin, antīquus is the root of the English word 'antique', but in Latin it was used for people and laws, not just furniture.
- The phrase mos antīquus refers to the 'ancient customs' of Rome, but it carries a heavy connotation of 'proper' or 'correct' social behavior.
Examples in context
- aedificium antiquumAncient building
- civitas antiquaAncient city
- liber priscusAncient book
- doctrina priscaAncient knowledge
- Antīquus mos est.It is an ancient custom.
- Antīquus poeta scripsit.An ancient poet wrote it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ancient” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
