What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dated
Example
That hairstyle is so dated, it went out of fashion years ago. [dated: adjective]
Example
The technology used in this device is already dated and needs an upgrade. [dated: verb]
archaic
Example
The archaic language used in this text makes it difficult to understand. [archaic: adjective]
Example
The tradition of arranged marriages is considered archaic in many modern societies. [archaic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dated is more commonly used than archaic in everyday language. Dated is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while archaic is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dated and archaic?
Archaic is a more formal word than dated. It is typically used in academic or historical contexts to describe language, customs, or practices that are no longer used or practiced in modern times.
