Ancient vs. Antique: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
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.
Janet White
Nov 05, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Referring to the very distant past
Old object valued for its artistry or craftsmanship
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Relation to Modern Times
Much removed from present day
Closer to the present, representing past centuries
Aimie Carlson
Nov 05, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Antique
Made in or typical of an earlier period and valued for its age.
She wore an antique necklace passed down through generations.
Sara Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Ancient
Relating to the historical period predating recorded history.
The ancient Egyptians built magnificent structures.
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Antique
Denoting an old object, particularly a piece of furniture or decorative art.
The antique vase fetched a high price at the auction.
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Ancient
Referring to times long past, especially from the early history of the world.
The ancient Greeks made numerous contributions to science and philosophy.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Antique
Outdated or old-fashioned.
The appliance looked like an antique compared to modern versions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Ancient
Of, relating to, or belonging to times long past, especially before the fall of the Western Roman Empire (AD 476)
Ancient cultures.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
Belonging to, made in, or typical of an earlier period
Antique furniture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Ancient
Of great age; very old
"The males live up to six months—positively ancient, for a bee" (Elizabeth Royte).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
Of or belonging to ancient times, especially of, from, or characteristic of ancient Greece or Rome.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Ancient
(Archaic) Having the qualities associated with age, wisdom, or long use; venerable
"You seem a sober, ancient Gentleman by your habit" (Shakespeare).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
The style or manner of ancient times, especially that of ancient Greek or Roman art
An admirer of the antique.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Ancient
Having lasted from a remote period; having been of long duration; of great age, very old.
An ancient city
An ancient forest
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
Having existed in ancient times, descended from antiquity; used especially in reference to Greece and Rome.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Ancient
(history) Relating to antiquity as a primarily European historical period; the time before the Middle Ages.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
An old object perceived as having value because of its aesthetic or historical significance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
(in the singular) The style or manner of ancient times, used especially of Greek and Roman art.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
(typography) A style of type of thick and bold face in which all lines are of equal or nearly equal thickness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Ancient
Experienced; versed.
Though [he] was the youngest brother, yet he was the most ancient in the business of the realm.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
A performer in an antic; or in general, a burlesque performer, a buffoon.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
(transitive) To make (an object) appear to be an antique in some way.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Ancient
A senior; an elder; a predecessor.
Junius and Andronicus . . . in Christianity . . . were his ancients.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
Old, as respects the present age, or a modern period of time; of old fashion; antiquated; as, an antique robe.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Ancient
An ensign or flag.
More dishonorable ragged than an old-faced ancient.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
Made in imitation of antiquity; as, the antique style of Thomson's "Castle of Indolence."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Ancient
The bearer of a flag; an ensign.
This is Othello's ancient, as I take it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Ancient
Belonging to the distant past.
The ancient ruins tell tales of a once-flourishing civilization.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
Antique
Any piece of furniture or decorative object or the like produced in a former period and valuable because of its beauty or rarity
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Ancient
Extremely old or from an early epoch.
The legend speaks of an ancient prophecy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Antique
Made in or typical of earlier times and valued for its age;
The beautiful antique French furniture
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
Out of fashion;
A suit of rather antique appearance
Demode (or outmoded) attire
Outmoded ideas
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
Belonging to or lasting from times long ago;
Age-old customs
The antique fear that days would dwindle away to complete darkness
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Antique
An object having a high value because of its age and quality.
The antique desk was meticulously restored.
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Antique
A collectible object valued for its age, beauty, or historical significance.
Antique shows attract enthusiasts from around the world.
Sara Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
FAQs
How old must something be to be considered ancient?
Ancient usually refers to times millennia ago, but context matters, and it can vary.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 05, 2023
Are all antiques valuable?
Not all; value depends on rarity, condition, demand, and historical or artistic significance.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Nov 05, 2023
Can something be both ancient and antique?
While ancient usually predates antique, an old artifact from an ancient civilization can be considered an antique.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Is the term ancient more academic than antique?
Often, yes. "Ancient" is commonly used in academic contexts like archaeology and history.
Janet White
Nov 05, 2023
Are there strict criteria for labeling something ancient?
While there's no strict age, "ancient" typically refers to times well before the Middle Ages.
Janet White
Nov 05, 2023
Are all ancient items found in museums?
While many are, not all ancient items are curated; many remain undiscovered or privately owned.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
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.
Janet White
Nov 05, 2023
Can the term antique be used for old plants or animals?
Rarely. Antique usually refers to man-made objects, not natural organisms.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 05, 2023
Is ancient used for describing old technologies?
In a colloquial sense, yes. Someone might jokingly refer to a floppy disk as "ancient tech."
Janet White
Nov 05, 2023
Are replicas of old objects called antiques?
No, replicas are not genuine antiques, even if they mimic the style.
Sara Rehman
Nov 05, 2023
Is an "antique look" always based on real historical designs?
Not always. Sometimes it's a blend or a generalized old-fashioned aesthetic.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Does ancient always relate to real historical periods?
Mostly, but it can also be used in fictional contexts, like "ancient aliens" or "ancient prophecies."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 05, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Nov 05, 2023
Is every old object sold in stores an antique?
No, many old objects might be vintage or simply used. Authenticity and age determine antiques.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Does every antique have a known origin?
Not always. Some antiques have unknown or debated provenances.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Can a place or location be described as ancient?
Yes, like "an ancient city" or "ancient burial grounds."
Harlon Moss
Nov 05, 2023
Can modern artists create in an "ancient" style?
Yes, artists can emulate ancient styles, though the work would be a modern interpretation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Does antique mean the object is always in good condition?
No, antiques can be worn or damaged, though condition affects value.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
