archaic
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “archaic” mean?
adjective.very old or old-fashioned.
SAT Usage
The term often appears in passages discussing historical contexts, literature, or the evolution of language, emphasizing the idea of obsolescence or a lack of relevance in contemporary society. It conveys a sense of nostalgia or critique, differentiating it from similar words like "antiquated," which implies not just age but also a failure to meet modern standards.
Common Confusions
Archaic implies a sense of obsolescence or irrelevance in contemporary use, while antiquated usually suggests being outdated to the point of being impractical or ineffective in modern standards.
Do not choose archaic if the context emphasizes modernity or current trends rather than being very old or old-fashioned.
Example Sentences
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The law was archaic and had not been used in decades.
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The archaic language in the old manuscript was difficult to decipher.