What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ancients
Example
The ancients believed in many gods and goddesses. [ancients: noun]
Example
We can learn a lot from the wisdom of the ancients. [ancients: adjective]
antiquity
Example
The museum has a vast collection of artifacts from antiquity. [antiquity: noun]
Example
The poetry of antiquity is still relevant today. [antiquity: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Antiquity is more commonly used than ancients in academic and formal contexts, especially in the fields of history, archaeology, and art history. Ancients is less common but can be used in more informal or colloquial contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ancients and antiquity?
Antiquity is generally considered more formal than ancients, as it is often used in academic or intellectual contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and audience.
