antediluvian
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “antediluvian” mean?
adjective.ridiculously old-fashioned; belonging to the time before the biblical Flood.
SAT Usage
This word often appears in passages discussing historical contexts, cultural critiques, or technological advancements. It emphasizes an extreme level of obsolescence or outdatedness, suggesting not just old-fashioned ideas but those that are fundamentally out of touch with modern values or practices, contrasting with terms like "archaic," which may not carry the same connotation of ridicule.
Common Confusions
Antediluvian implies a ridiculous level of obsolescence and being out of touch, while archaic usually suggests something that is simply old or outdated without the added connotation of mockery.
Example Sentences
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His antediluvian views on education had not changed in decades.
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His antediluvian views on technology made him resistant to modern innovations.
Word Parts: How to Remember “antediluvian”
Break “antediluvian” into its parts: ante- (before). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ante-before (Latin)