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antique Definition

an·tique (an tēk′)

adjective

  1. of ancient times; ancient; old
  2. out-of-date; old-fashioned
  3. in the style of classical antiquity
  4. of, or in the style of, a former period
  5. dealing in antiques

Etymology: Fr < L antiquus, ancient, old < ante, before

noun

  1. anything from ancient times; relic
  2. the ancient style, esp. of Greek or Roman sculpture, architecture, etc.
  3. a piece of furniture, silverware, etc. made in a former period, generally more than 100 years ago

transitive verb -·tiqued′, -·tiqu′ing

to make look antique, as in the style of a former period

intransitive verb

to look for or shop for antique furniture, articles, etc.

antique Related Forms
an·tique′ly adverb an·tique′·ness noun
antique Synonyms

antique

modif.

  1. Old

    ancient, archaic, old; see old 3.

  2. Old-fashioned

    obsolete, obsolescent, out-of-date; see old-fashioned. See syn. study atold.

antique Synonyms

antique

n.

relic, artifact, heirloom, curio, bibelot, collectible, collector's item, old example, early example, ancient evidence, ancient representative, outmoded example, survival, rarity, monument, vestige, objet d'art (French), ruin, Rosetta stone; used in pl.: antiquities, reliques; see also art 3, furniture, manuscript.

antique Usage Examples

Object

  • finish: CLICK ON PICTURE FOR MORE DETAILS Encourage birds into your garden with this delightful antique-style birdbath cast from frost-resistant resin with an antiqued finish.

Converse of object

  • sell: This market, whose history can be traced back into the Middle Ages, is a huge antiques market, mainly selling English antiques.
  • restore: BAFRA members also use PVA's etc. in restoring antiques.
  • collect: He and his wife, Kelly, share many interests, among them swimming, hiking, music, collecting antiques, and gardening.
  • buy: You can buy antique reconditioned Bar Billiards tables from Masters Games.

Adjective modifier

  • priceless: He owned thousands of acres of land, dozens of palaces, and priceless antiques.
  • architectural: Bygones is one of the largest reclamation yards in the UK providing high quality architectural antiques.
  • decorative: The gallery at No. 42 also exhibits a large collection of fine Russian Lacquer Boxes, and decorative antiques.
  • genuine: Remember that genuine antiques must have an export permit from the Director General of Museums in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Victorian: A converted sail shed now houses a stylish tea room and Edwardian and Victorian antiques are to be found in the old engine house.
  • authentic: Most are made today around Mandalay in Myanmar, tho the vendor will try to persuade you that they are authentic antiques.

Modifies a noun

  • furniture: The hotel rooms are equipped with original antique furniture.
  • dealer: Antique dealers come from all over Italy to attend.
  • furnishing: Double doors into large vaulted entrance hall with impressive flag stone floors and antique furnishings.
  • retro: Antique, vintage, retro, kitsch & collectible necklaces.
  • shop: The antiques shop closed at the end of May 1996.
  • pine: A tall antique pine double bed is set in the center of this painted wood paneled room.

Modifying Another Word

  • pretty: A really pretty antique French Jet graduated beaded collar necklace, dating to circa 1920.

Noun used with modifier

  • reproduction: The glass was described quite openly as reproduction antique, it was illustrated in catalogs, and some pieces even bear a factory mark.
  • quality: A wide range of quality antiques on offer from some of the country's leading dealers.
antique Quotes

We shift and bedeck and bedrape us, Thou art noble and nude and antique.

—Swinburne, Algernon Charles

I met a traveller from an antique land Who said:Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert.

—Shelley, Percy Bysshe

Where is the antique glory now become, What whilom wont in women to appear? Where be the brave achievements doen by some? Where be the battles, where the shield and spear, And all the conquests, which them high did rear, That matter made for famous poet's verse, And boastful men so oft abashed to hear? Bene theyall dead, and laid in doleful hearse? Or doen they only sleep, and shall again reverse?

—Spenser, Edmund