English Dictionary

Definition of “archaic

archaic (ɑːˈkeɪɪkPronunciation for archaic

Definitions

adjective

  1. belonging to or characteristic of a much earlier period; ancient
  2. out of date; antiquated  ⇒ an archaic prison system 
  3. (of idiom, vocabulary, etc) characteristic of an earlier period of a language and not in ordinary use

Alternative Forms

arˈchaically adverb

Word Origin

C19: from French archaïque,  from Greek arkhaïkos,  from arkhaios  ancient, from arkhē  beginning, from arkhein to begin

Usage examples

  • I've heard a story that the boy tried to kill you with an archaic weapon.
    Zindell, David, The Broken God (1993)
  • His more familiar ridicules of archaic economic laws also pre-date the last three years of hollering for legal reforms.
    India Today (2000)
  • His knowledge of the dark arts and use of his archaic technologies have enabled him to cheat the grave.
    The Advertiser, Sunday Mail (2004)
  • I began my quest at the Lyme Fossil Shop, an archaic Aladdin's cave at the bottom of the high street.
    Times, Sunday Times (2002)
  • Alongside the drive against illiteracy went the campaign against religious superstitions and archaic customs throughout the USSR.
    Hiro, Dilip, Between Marx and Muhammed (1994)

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