Ancient vs. Antique: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 5, 2023
Ancient refers to times long past, often millennia ago. Antique denotes old objects, typically centuries old, valued for artistry or craftsmanship.
Key Differences
Ancient and Antique are both terms that refer to the past, but they highlight different aspects of time and value. Ancient, as a term, focuses on time periods that date back thousands of years. It commonly refers to civilizations, practices, or times that are very distant from the present. For instance, the pyramids of Egypt or the Roman Empire are often described as ancient.
In contrast, Antique refers to objects, typically not civilizations or eras. These are items that are old, usually over a hundred years, and are often valued for their craftsmanship, design, or rarity. When you come across an old piece of furniture or a vintage car, you might hear them described as antiques. The value of an antique is not just in its age, but also in its artistic or historic importance.
Drawing a distinction using books: a manuscript from an ancient civilization would be termed ancient, but a centuries-old printed book in good condition might be referred to as an antique. The former provides insight into ancient times, while the latter represents the artistry or print methods of a bygone era.
Archaeologists might uncover ancient artifacts during their excavations, artifacts that shed light on ancient cultures and ways of life. On the other hand, antique collectors seek objects that tell stories of more recent centuries, prized for their aesthetics and the era they represent.
In everyday language, ancient often implies something so old it feels almost unreachable or hard to conceptualize in the modern era. Antique, while still old, feels closer to our current time, representing objects that can be collected, sold, or displayed.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Referring to the very distant past
Old object valued for its artistry or craftsmanship
Typical Use
Civilizations, eras, practices
Furniture, cars, objects
Time Frame
Millennia ago
Typically over 100 years old
Context
Archaeology, history
Collectibles, art, commerce
Relation to Modern Times
Much removed from present day
Closer to the present, representing past centuries
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Ancient and Antique Definitions
Ancient
Having been in existence for a very long period.
This ancient tree has stood here for over a thousand years.
Antique
Made in or typical of an earlier period and valued for its age.
She wore an antique necklace passed down through generations.
Ancient
Relating to the historical period predating recorded history.
The ancient Egyptians built magnificent structures.
Antique
Denoting an old object, particularly a piece of furniture or decorative art.
The antique vase fetched a high price at the auction.
Ancient
Referring to times long past, especially from the early history of the world.
The ancient Greeks made numerous contributions to science and philosophy.
Antique
Outdated or old-fashioned.
The appliance looked like an antique compared to modern versions.
Ancient
Of, relating to, or belonging to times long past, especially before the fall of the Western Roman Empire (AD 476)
Ancient cultures.
Antique
Belonging to, made in, or typical of an earlier period
Antique furniture.
Ancient
Of great age; very old
"The males live up to six months—positively ancient, for a bee" (Elizabeth Royte).
Antique
Of or belonging to ancient times, especially of, from, or characteristic of ancient Greece or Rome.
Ancient
(Archaic) Having the qualities associated with age, wisdom, or long use; venerable
"You seem a sober, ancient Gentleman by your habit" (Shakespeare).
Antique
Relating to or dealing in antiques.
Ancient
A very old person.
Antique
Having the appearance of an antique.
Ancient
A person who lived in times long past.
Antique
Old-fashioned; outdated
Wore a suit of rather antique appearance.
Ancient
The peoples of the classical nations of antiquity.
Antique
An object having special value because of its age, especially a domestic item or piece of furniture or handicraft esteemed for its artistry, beauty, or period of origin.
Ancient
The ancient Greek and Roman authors.
Antique
The style or manner of ancient times, especially that of ancient Greek or Roman art
An admirer of the antique.
Ancient
(Archaic) An ensign; a flag.
Antique
To give the appearance of an antique to
Antiqued an oak chest.
Ancient
(Obsolete) A flag-bearer or lieutenant.
Antique
To hunt or shop for antiques.
Ancient
Having lasted from a remote period; having been of long duration; of great age, very old.
An ancient city
An ancient forest
Antique
Having existed in ancient times, descended from antiquity; used especially in reference to Greece and Rome.
Ancient
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
Antique
Belonging to former times, not modern, out of date, old-fashioned.
Ancient
(history) Relating to antiquity as a primarily European historical period; the time before the Middle Ages.
Antique
(typography) Designating a style of type.
Ancient
(obsolete) Experienced; versed.
Antique
(bookbinding) Embossed without gilt.
Ancient
(obsolete) Former; sometime.
Antique
(obsolete) antic, specifically:
Ancient
A person who is very old.
Antique
Fantastic, odd, wild, antic.
Ancient
A person who lived in ancient times.
Antique
In general, anything very old; specifically:
Ancient
One of the senior members of the Inns of Court or of Chancery.
Antique
An old object perceived as having value because of its aesthetic or historical significance.
Ancient
(obsolete) A senior; an elder; a predecessor.
Antique
An object of ancient times.
Ancient
A flag, banner, standard or ensign.
Antique
(in the singular) The style or manner of ancient times, used especially of Greek and Roman art.
Ancient
The bearer of a flag; ensign
Antique
An old person.
Ancient
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.
Antique
(obsolete) A man of ancient times.
Ancient
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.
Antique
(typography) A style of type of thick and bold face in which all lines are of equal or nearly equal thickness.
Ancient
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.
Antique
(obsolete) antic, specifically:
Ancient
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.
Antique
Grotesque entertainment; an antic.
Ancient
Experienced; versed.
Though [he] was the youngest brother, yet he was the most ancient in the business of the realm.
Antique
A performer in an antic; or in general, a burlesque performer, a buffoon.
Ancient
Former; sometime.
They mourned their ancient leader lost.
Antique
(intransitive) To search or shop for antiques.
Ancient
Those who lived in former ages, as opposed to the moderns.
Antique
(transitive) To make (an object) appear to be an antique in some way.
Ancient
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.
Antique
To emboss without gilding.
Ancient
A senior; an elder; a predecessor.
Junius and Andronicus . . . in Christianity . . . were his ancients.
Antique
Old; ancient; of genuine antiquity; as, an antique statue. In this sense it usually refers to the flourishing ages of Greece and Rome.
For the antique world excess and pride did hate.
Ancient
One of the senior members of the Inns of Court or of Chancery.
Antique
Old, as respects the present age, or a modern period of time; of old fashion; antiquated; as, an antique robe.
Ancient
An ensign or flag.
More dishonorable ragged than an old-faced ancient.
Antique
Made in imitation of antiquity; as, the antique style of Thomson's "Castle of Indolence."
Ancient
The bearer of a flag; an ensign.
This is Othello's ancient, as I take it.
Antique
Odd; fantastic.
Ancient
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
Antique
In general, anything very old; but in a more limited sense, a relic or object of ancient art; collectively, the antique, the remains of ancient art, as busts, statues, paintings, and vases.
Misshapen monuments and maimed antiques.
Ancient
Very old;
An ancient mariner
Antique
An elderly man
Ancient
Belonging to the distant past.
The ancient ruins tell tales of a once-flourishing civilization.
Antique
Any piece of furniture or decorative object or the like produced in a former period and valuable because of its beauty or rarity
Ancient
Extremely old or from an early epoch.
The legend speaks of an ancient prophecy.
Antique
Shop for antiques;
We went antiquing on Saturday
Antique
Give an antique appearance to;
Antique furniture
Antique
Made in or typical of earlier times and valued for its age;
The beautiful antique French furniture
Antique
Out of fashion;
A suit of rather antique appearance
Demode (or outmoded) attire
Outmoded ideas
Antique
Belonging to or lasting from times long ago;
Age-old customs
The antique fear that days would dwindle away to complete darkness
Antique
An object having a high value because of its age and quality.
The antique desk was meticulously restored.
Antique
A collectible object valued for its age, beauty, or historical significance.
Antique shows attract enthusiasts from around the world.
FAQs
How old must something be to be considered ancient?
Ancient usually refers to times millennia ago, but context matters, and it can vary.
Are all antiques valuable?
Not all; value depends on rarity, condition, demand, and historical or artistic significance.
Can newer objects ever be labeled antique?
Typically, an object needs to be over 100 years old, but some use the term more loosely for vintage items.
Can something be both ancient and antique?
While ancient usually predates antique, an old artifact from an ancient civilization can be considered an antique.
Is 'ancient history' always about very old events?
In colloquial use, "ancient history" can refer to anything outdated or from the distant past, not always literally ancient.
Is the term ancient more academic than antique?
Often, yes. "Ancient" is commonly used in academic contexts like archaeology and history.
Are there strict criteria for labeling something ancient?
While there's no strict age, "ancient" typically refers to times well before the Middle Ages.
Are all ancient items found in museums?
While many are, not all ancient items are curated; many remain undiscovered or privately owned.
Can a story or a song be described as antique?
It's less common, but in the context of describing its old-fashioned nature or style, it might be.
Can the term antique be used for old plants or animals?
Rarely. Antique usually refers to man-made objects, not natural organisms.
Is ancient used for describing old technologies?
In a colloquial sense, yes. Someone might jokingly refer to a floppy disk as "ancient tech."
Are replicas of old objects called antiques?
No, replicas are not genuine antiques, even if they mimic the style.
Is an "antique look" always based on real historical designs?
Not always. Sometimes it's a blend or a generalized old-fashioned aesthetic.
Does ancient always relate to real historical periods?
Mostly, but it can also be used in fictional contexts, like "ancient aliens" or "ancient prophecies."
Does ancient have a cultural bias?
While it can be used universally, perceptions of what's "ancient" can vary based on cultural and historical contexts.
Is every old object sold in stores an antique?
No, many old objects might be vintage or simply used. Authenticity and age determine antiques.
Does every antique have a known origin?
Not always. Some antiques have unknown or debated provenances.
Can a place or location be described as ancient?
Yes, like "an ancient city" or "ancient burial grounds."
Can modern artists create in an "ancient" style?
Yes, artists can emulate ancient styles, though the work would be a modern interpretation.
Does antique mean the object is always in good condition?
No, antiques can be worn or damaged, though condition affects value.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
