Words / A2

AYNSH-uh-nt/ˈeɪnʃənt/

Ancient means very old, from long ago: ancient ruins, an ancient city, ancient history. Old is milder and everyday. Modern is a useful opposite. Antique is an old object you might buy. Accent is how you speak. Do not write ancient when you mean accent, or anxious.

Meaning

Very old; from a long time ago.

Examples

• “We walked around the ancient city walls after lunch.”
• “We queued for photos by the ancient stone gate.”
• “The museum explains ancient tools in simple English.”

Good to know

ancient ruins / city. Milder: old. Opposite: modern. Mix-up: accent.

Near in meaning

old

New