antiquities: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal; Academic; Cultural.
Quick answer
What does “antiquities” mean?
Historical objects from the distant past, especially those from ancient civilisations, which are preserved and studied for their cultural, artistic, or historical value.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Historical objects from the distant past, especially those from ancient civilisations, which are preserved and studied for their cultural, artistic, or historical value.
The period of ancient history; a legal or formal category for items of significant age; the quality of being ancient or old-fashioned.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term is equally formal and academic in both varieties.
Connotations
Suggests academic rigour, museums, archaeology, and cultural heritage. Can connote looting or illicit trade in certain contexts.
Frequency
Used with similar frequency in academic, museum, and cultural heritage contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “antiquities” in a Sentence
antiquities + from + LOCATION/ERAantiquities + of + TYPEVerb + antiquities (e.g., collect, export, preserve, study)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the high-value market for ancient art and artefacts, including auctions and insurance.
Academic
The central term in archaeology, art history, and museum studies for the material culture of ancient societies.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used when discussing museum visits, history documentaries, or news about stolen artefacts.
Technical
A formal legal and administrative category in cultural heritage law and museum inventory systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antiquities”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antiquities”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antiquities”
- Using 'antiquities' as a singular noun (e.g., *'an antiquities'). Correct: 'an antiquity' or 'antiquities'.
- Confusing 'antiquities' (objects) with 'antiquity' (the time period).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily used as a plural noun. The singular form is 'antiquity', but it often refers to the ancient period rather than a single object. For a single object, 'an antiquity' or more commonly 'an antique' or 'an artefact' is used.
'Antiques' generally refers to items that are old and collectible, often from the last few hundred years (e.g., furniture, clocks). 'Antiquities' specifically refers to objects from the ancient civilisations of Greece, Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia, etc., and is a more formal, academic term.
It would sound very formal. In everyday talk, you might say 'ancient artefacts', 'old relics', or simply 'things from ancient times', reserving 'antiquities' for discussions about museums, history, or archaeology.
Archaeology is the primary field. It is also central to museum studies, art history, cultural heritage management, and the legal field concerning the trade of cultural property.
Historical objects from the distant past, especially those from ancient civilisations, which are preserved and studied for their cultural, artistic, or historical value.
Antiquities is usually formal; academic; cultural. in register.
Antiquities: in British English it is pronounced /ænˈtɪkwɪtiz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ænˈtɪkwətiz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ANTIQUITIES' as 'ANTIQUE' + 'CITIES' – the ancient, antique objects found in the ruins of old cities.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (preserved in a museum); HISTORY IS A COLLECTION.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'antiquities' MOST appropriately used?