What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
old
Example
This house is very old, it was built in the 1800s. [old: adjective]
Example
I have an old car that I've had for over 20 years. [old: adjective]
Example
My grandmother is getting old, she's almost 90 years old. [old: adjective]
antique
Example
The antique vase was worth a lot of money because it was from the Ming Dynasty. [antique: adjective]
Example
I found an antique book from the 1800s at the flea market. [antique: adjective]
Example
My aunt collects antique furniture from the Victorian era. [antique: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Old is a more common word than antique and can be used in everyday language to describe a wide range of objects and people. Antique is less common and is often used in the context of collecting or selling rare objects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between old and antique?
Antique is generally considered more formal than old, as it is often used in the context of art, history, and culture. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
