ancient

Ancient describes someone or something that has lasted a very long time. (adjective)

The story of Hercules is an example of an ancient story.

Ancient refers to an era that existed a very long time ago. (adjective)

The Roman Empire is an example of an ancient civilization.

See ancient in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

of times long past; belonging to the early history of the world, esp. before the end of the Western Roman Empire ( 476)
having existed a long time; very old
old-fashioned; antiquated
Archaic having the wisdom, dignity, etc. of age; venerable

noun

Related Forms:

noun

See ancient in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(ānˈshənt)

adjective

Of great age; very old.
Of or relating to times long past, especially those of the historical period before the fall of the Western Roman Empire (A.D. 476). See Synonyms at old.
Old-fashioned; antiquated.
Having the qualities associated with age, wisdom, or long use; venerable.

noun

A very old person.
A person who lived in times long past.
ancients
a. The peoples of the classical nations of antiquity.
b. The ancient Greek and Roman authors.

Related Forms: