What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bygone
Example
The bygone era of black and white television seems so different from today's high-definition screens. [bygone: adjective]
Example
She reminisced about the bygone days of her childhood, filled with innocence and joy. [bygone: noun]
ancient
Example
The ancient ruins of Rome attract millions of tourists every year. [ancient: adjective]
Example
In ancient times, people relied on hunting and gathering for survival. [ancient: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ancient is more commonly used than bygone in everyday language. Ancient is a versatile word that can be used to describe various historical contexts, while bygone is less common and often used in more specific or nostalgic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bygone and ancient?
Both bygone and ancient can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, ancient may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with historical or academic discussions.