ancient

Existing or happening very long ago, especially thousands of years ago.

• We visited an ancient temple.
• People in ancient Egypt built huge pyramids.
• She studies ancient history at university.

Similar words: very old

Opposites: modern

Common phrases: ancient history, ancient world, ancient civilization

Having existed for a very long time.

• An ancient oak grows beside the house.
• They still follow an ancient family tradition.
• The ancient city has survived many wars.

Similar words: age-old, very old

Opposites: new

Common phrases: ancient tree, ancient forest, ancient tradition

Relating to the period of history before the Middle Ages, especially in Europe.

• She teaches ancient Greek history.
• The course covers ancient Rome and its empire.
• Ancient society differed greatly from medieval society.

Common phrases: ancient Greece, ancient Rome, ancient period

A small flag used to identify a ship or military group.

• The ship flew a red ancient.
• A soldier carried the ancient ahead of the troops.
• The old ancient hung above the captain’s door.

Similar words: flag, ensign

Common phrases: ship’s ancient, carry an ancient