What does antediluvian mean?
The word antediluvian refers to something that is extremely old, dating from a time before the biblical flood. It is often used to describe architecture, ideas, or attitudes that are outdated or no longer relevant. The term is derived from the Latin words 'ante' (before) and 'diluvian' (flood), and is often used in a nostalgic or ironic sense to describe something as being from a bygone era. In modern usage, antediluvian is often used to describe something as being old-fashioned or outdated, but it can also be used to describe something as being from a time before a particular event or era. The word has a rich history and is often used in academic and literary contexts to describe something as being of great age or significance.
adjectiveExtremely old; dating from a time before the biblical flood.
- Extremely old; dating from a time before the biblical flood.
"The antediluvian architecture of the ancient city was a testament to the ingenuity of its long-lost inhabitants."
"The antediluvian architecture of the ancient city was a testament to the ingenuity of its long-lost inhabitants."
"The professor's antediluvian views on evolution were a relic of a bygone era."
The plural form antediluvians is used to describe a group of people or things that are extremely old or outdated.
"The antediluvians who built the ancient city were a testament to the ingenuity of their ancestors."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of antediluvian
The word antediluvian is derived from the Latin words 'ante' (before) and 'diluvian' (flood). It was first used in the 17th century to describe something as being from a time before the biblical flood. Over time, the term has evolved to describe something as being extremely old or outdated, often with a sense of nostalgia or irony.
How antediluvian is actually used
Antediluvian is often used to describe something as being extremely old or outdated, often with a sense of nostalgia or irony. It can also be used to describe something as being from a time before a particular event or era.