antiquity

• Nom désignant le passé ancien, en particulier la période précédant le Moyen Âge, ou la qualité d'être très vieux, ou encore un objet provenant des temps anciens.

A noun referring to the ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages, or the quality of being very old, or an object from ancient times.

indénombrable

1. Ancient historical periodB2formal

   The era of history before the Middle Ages, especially in Europe and the Mediterranean.

   Antiquité

   • The study of antiquity reveals much about early civilizations.
   • Many philosophers from antiquity still influence modern thought.
   • Artifacts from antiquity are displayed in the museum.

2. Great age or oldnessB2formal

   The quality of being extremely old or ancient.

   Grand âge, ancienneté

   • The antiquity of the ruins amazed the archaeologists.
   • The building's antiquity gives it a unique charm.
   • Documents of great antiquity are kept in climate-controlled vaults.

   Synonymesageagednessancientnesshoarinessoldness

   Antonymesfreshnessmodernitynewnessnovelty

3. Ancient artifactB2formal

   An object or work of art that has survived from ancient times.

   Antiquité (objet ancien)

   • The museum has a fine collection of Greek antiquities.
   • He donated several Roman antiquities to the local gallery.
   • The dealer specializes in Egyptian antiquities.

   Synonymesantiqueartifactrelic