Antient vs. Ancient — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Fiza Rafique — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
"Antient" is the incorrect spelling of "ancient," which refers to something very old or from a long time ago.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Antient or Ancient
How to spell Ancient?
Antient
Incorrect Spelling
Ancient
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
The "cie" in "ancient" follows the rule commonly taught as "i before e except after c," helping to remember the placement of 'i' and 'e'.
Visual memory can help by associating the word "ancient" with images of old, historical artifacts or ruins that begin with a clear "an."
"Ancient" aligns with the pronunciation, especially focusing on the "cien" part, which is commonly found in similar-sounding English words like "science."
Recall that "ancient" comes from the Latin "antiquus," but the standard spelling has evolved to "ancient" in modern English.
The spelling "ancient" is consistent with other English words with the "an-" prefix followed by a soft "c," such as "angel."
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How Do You Spell Ancient Correctly?
Incorrect: She studied the art of antient Greece in college.
Correct: She studied the art of ancient Greece in college.
Incorrect: He collects antient coins as a hobby.
Correct: He collects ancient coins as a hobby.
Incorrect: Antient philosophy has influenced modern thought.
Correct: Ancient philosophy has influenced modern thought.
Incorrect: This temple is from an antient civilization.
Correct: This temple is from an ancient civilization.
Incorrect: The antient texts were difficult to decipher.
Correct: The ancient texts were difficult to decipher.
Ancient Definitions
Extremely old or from a far earlier period in history.
The ancient ruins had stood for thousands of years.
Something that has existed for a very long time.
The ancient oak tree in the park is revered by locals.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence
The ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean
An old man
A solitary ancient in a tweed jacket
A standard, flag, or ensign.
Of, relating to, or belonging to times long past, especially before the fall of the Western Roman Empire (AD 476)
Ancient cultures.
Of great age; very old
"The males live up to six months—positively ancient, for a bee" (Elizabeth Royte).
(Archaic) Having the qualities associated with age, wisdom, or long use; venerable
"You seem a sober, ancient Gentleman by your habit" (Shakespeare).
A very old person.
A person who lived in times long past.
The peoples of the classical nations of antiquity.
The ancient Greek and Roman authors.
(Archaic) An ensign; a flag.
(Obsolete) A flag-bearer or lieutenant.
Having lasted from a remote period; having been of long duration; of great age, very old.
An ancient city
An ancient forest
Existent or occurring in time long past, usually in remote ages; belonging to or associated with antiquity; old, as opposed to modern.
An ancient author
An ancient empire
(history) Relating to antiquity as a primarily European historical period; the time before the Middle Ages.
(obsolete) Experienced; versed.
(obsolete) Former; sometime.
A person who is very old.
A person who lived in ancient times.
One of the senior members of the Inns of Court or of Chancery.
(obsolete) A senior; an elder; a predecessor.
A flag, banner, standard or ensign.
The bearer of a flag; ensign
Old; that happened or existed in former times, usually at a great distance of time; belonging to times long past; specifically applied to the times before the fall of the Roman empire; - opposed to modern; as, ancient authors, literature, history; ancient days.
Witness those ancient empires of the earth.
Gildas Albanius . . . much ancienter than his namesake surnamed the Wise.
Old; that has been of long duration; of long standing; of great age; as, an ancient forest; an ancient castle.
Remove not the ancient landmarks, which thy fathers have set.
An ancient man, strangely habited, asked for quarters.
Known for a long time, or from early times; - opposed to recent or new; as, the ancient continent.
A friend, perhaps, or an ancient acquaintance.
Dignified, like an aged man; magisterial; venerable.
He wrought but some few hours of the day, and then would he seem very grave and ancient.
Experienced; versed.
Though [he] was the youngest brother, yet he was the most ancient in the business of the realm.
Former; sometime.
They mourned their ancient leader lost.
Those who lived in former ages, as opposed to the moderns.
An aged man; a patriarch. Hence: A governor; a ruler; a person of influence.
The Lord will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof.
A senior; an elder; a predecessor.
Junius and Andronicus . . . in Christianity . . . were his ancients.
An ensign or flag.
More dishonorable ragged than an old-faced ancient.
The bearer of a flag; an ensign.
This is Othello's ancient, as I take it.
Belonging to times long past especially of the historical period before the fall of the Western Roman Empire;
Ancient history
Ancient civilizations such as those of the Etruscans and Sumerians
Ancient Greece
Very old;
An ancient mariner
Pertaining to the historical period before the Middle Ages.
Ancient civilizations like the Romans and Egyptians shaped much of our heritage.
Of or related to the distant past; very old.
He has an interest in ancient artifacts and their preservation.
Used to describe traditional or old-fashioned methods or beliefs.
Ancient remedies are still used in some cultures today.
Ancient Meaning in a Sentence
Legends often speak of ancient treasures hidden away.
Many ancient structures were built with astonishing precision.
Ancient texts provide insight into early human societies.
Ancient techniques in pottery are still practiced in some cultures.
She visited the ancient temple during her trip to Asia.
Ancient grains like spelt and amaranth are regaining popularity.
The study of ancient history helps us understand our origins.
Ancient philosophers still influence today's ethical debates.
The museum's collection of ancient artifacts is impressive.
She teaches a course on ancient religions at the university.
She specializes in the preservation of ancient manuscripts.
The ancient map showed sea routes used by explorers.
Ancient tools discovered at the site indicate early technological development.
He wrote a thesis on the governance systems of ancient empires.
The ancient festival is celebrated every year with great enthusiasm.
The documentary highlighted ancient civilizations across the globe.
Ancient DNA techniques are revealing new insights into human migration.
Scholars debate the uses of ancient buildings found during excavations.
Ancient rites and rituals are studied in cultural anthropology.
The play is based on an ancient legend told in the region.
He collects ancient coins from the Mediterranean area.
He is fascinated by the astrological knowledge of ancient cultures.
Ancient myths often explain natural phenomena in fascinating ways.
The village has an annual fair based on ancient customs.
The ancient language has only recently been deciphered by linguists.
Ancient Idioms & Phrases
The wisdom of the ancients
Knowledge or theories that originated in ancient times.
He often quotes the wisdom of the ancients in his lectures.
Ancient history
Something that happened a long time ago and is considered no longer relevant.
She referred to her previous job as ancient history.
As old as the ancients
Very old, often used humorously.
That car is as old as the ancients but still runs fine.
Ancient and honorable
Referring to something that is both old and respected.
The ancient and honorable society still holds regular meetings.
Common Curiosities
How many syllables are in ancient?
Ancient has two syllables.
Why is it called ancient?
Ancient is called this because it derives from the Latin "antiquus," meaning old or former, describing things from the distant past.
How is ancient used in a sentence?
Ancient is used as an adjective to describe something that is very old or from a long time ago.
What is a stressed syllable in ancient?
The stressed syllable in "ancient" is the first syllable: "an."
How do we divide ancient into syllables?
Ancient is divided into syllables as "an-cient."
What is the pronunciation of ancient?
Ancient is pronounced as /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/.
What is the root word of ancient?
The root word of "ancient" is the Latin "antiquus," meaning old or earlier.
What is the verb form of ancient?
Ancient does not have a verb form; it is an adjective.
What part of speech is ancient?
Ancient is an adjective.
Is ancient an adverb?
No, ancient is not an adverb; it is an adjective.
Is ancient an abstract noun?
No, ancient is not a noun; it is an adjective.
Is ancient a collective noun?
No, ancient is an adjective and not a collective noun.
Is the ancient term a metaphor?
"Ancient" can be used metaphorically to describe something that seems extremely outdated.
Is the word ancient Gerund?
No, "ancient" is not a gerund; it is an adjective.
What is the singular form of ancient?
The singular form of "ancient" is "ancient."
What is the plural form of ancient?
The plural form of "ancient" is also "ancient" when describing multiple items or aspects.
Is ancient a negative or positive word?
Ancient is neutral; it is neither inherently negative nor positive.
Is ancient a vowel or consonant?
The word "ancient" starts with a vowel sound.
What is the opposite of ancient?
The opposite of "ancient" is "modern" or "new."
Which vowel is used before ancient?
The vowel "a" is used at the beginning of "ancient."
Is ancient a noun or adjective?
Ancient is an adjective.
Is the word ancient is imperative?
No, "ancient" is not an imperative; it is an adjective.
Which determiner is used with ancient?
Determiners such as "the" or "an" can be used with "ancient," depending on the context.
Which preposition is used with ancient?
Prepositions like "in" or "from" can be used with "ancient," depending on the context, e.g., "in ancient times."
Which conjunction is used with ancient?
Conjunctions such as "and" or "but" can be used with "ancient," depending on the sentence structure.
Which article is used with ancient?
The definite article "the" or the indefinite article "an" can be used with "ancient," depending on the context.
What is another term for ancient?
Another term for "ancient" is "antiquated" or "archaic."
Is ancient a countable noun?
Ancient is not a noun; it is an adjective.
Is the word “ancient” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Ancient is an adjective and does not function as an object in a sentence.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
