What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ancient
Example
The ancient Egyptians built magnificent pyramids. [ancient: adjective]
Example
We studied ancient history in school and learned about the Roman Empire. [ancient: adjective]
prehistoric
Example
Archaeologists discovered prehistoric cave paintings that date back thousands of years. [prehistoric: adjective]
Example
The museum has a collection of prehistoric artifacts, including stone tools and pottery. [prehistoric: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ancient is more commonly used than prehistoric in everyday language. Ancient is a versatile word that can be used to describe various aspects of history, while prehistoric is more specific and often used in scientific or archaeological contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ancient and prehistoric?
Both ancient and prehistoric can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, prehistoric is more commonly used in scientific or academic settings, while ancient is more widely used in general conversations and writing.
