What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
atavistic
Example
His aggressive reaction to danger was an atavistic response inherited from his ancestors. [atavistic: adjective]
Example
The artist's work had an atavistic quality, evoking ancient cave paintings. [atavistic: adjective]
archaic
Example
Using a typewriter instead of a computer is considered archaic nowadays. [archaic: adjective]
Example
The poem was written in an archaic form of English, making it difficult to understand. [archaic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Archaic is more commonly used than atavistic in everyday language. Archaic is a versatile word that can be applied to various aspects of life, while atavistic is more specialized and commonly used in scientific or academic discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between atavistic and archaic?
Both atavistic and archaic are considered formal words. However, atavistic is more commonly used in scientific or academic contexts, while archaic can be used in both formal and informal situations.
