What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
protohistoric
Example
The protohistoric period in Europe is characterized by the emergence of iron tools and weapons. [protohistoric: adjective]
Example
Protohistoric societies in the Americas used pictographs to record important events. [protohistoric: adjective]
ancient
Example
The ancient Greeks made significant contributions to philosophy, mathematics, and science. [ancient: adjective]
Example
The pyramids of Egypt are some of the most famous ancient structures in the world. [ancient: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ancient is a more common word than protohistoric in everyday language. Ancient is widely used to describe various cultures and civilizations from the past, while protohistoric is a more technical term used mainly in academic and historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between protohistoric and ancient?
Protohistoric is a more formal word than ancient. It is mainly used in academic and historical contexts, while ancient can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
