adj
Uncommon
archaic
ah-KAY-ihk
Archaic (adj) means Old-fashioned or belonging to an earlier time; no longer in common use. Example: “The contract still used archaic legal language like "heretofore".”
adj
1
Old-fashioned or belonging to an earlier time; no longer in common use.
"The contract still used archaic legal language like "heretofore"."
"His archaic views on marriage surprised his younger colleagues."
How to use archaic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBelonging to an earlier period and seeming outdated now.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "arcane" (obscure/secret) — "archaic" is specifically about being old or outdated, not about being hard to understand.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
archaic language
archaic law
archaic term
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Word forms
- Plural
- archaics
- Comparative
- more archaic
- Superlative
- most archaic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The contract still used _____ legal language like "heretofore".
Etymology
From Greek arkhaikos, "old-fashioned", from arkhaios, "ancient", ultimately from arkhe, "beginning".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for archaic
See all rhymes for archaic →Frequently asked questions
What does “archaic” mean?
The word “archaic” means old-fashioned or belonging to an earlier time; no longer in common use. In plain terms, belonging to an earlier period and seeming outdated now.
How do you pronounce “archaic”?
“Archaic” is pronounced ah-KAY-ihk (/ɑɹˈkeɪ.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “archaic” in a sentence?
Here is “archaic” used in a sentence: “The contract still used archaic legal language like "heretofore".”
What is another word for “archaic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “archaic” include dated, obsolete and old fashioned.
What part of speech is “archaic”?
“Archaic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “archaic” come from?
The word “archaic” comes from Greek. From Greek arkhaikos, "old-fashioned", from arkhaios, "ancient", ultimately from arkhe, "beginning".
Is “archaic” a common word?
“Archaic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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