What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
antiquities
Example
The museum has a vast collection of Egyptian antiquities. [antiquities: noun]
Example
Archaeologists discovered several ancient Greek antiquities during the excavation. [antiquities: plural noun]
artifacts
Example
The museum displays a wide range of Native American artifacts. [artifacts: noun]
Example
The archaeologist carefully examined the artifacts found at the site. [artifacts: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Artifacts is more commonly used than antiquities in everyday language. Artifacts is a broader term that encompasses a wider range of objects, while antiquities is more specific and often associated with valuable or prestigious items found in museums or collections.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between antiquities and artifacts?
While antiquities is typically associated with a more formal tone, artifacts can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile term.