What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relic
Example
The museum had a collection of ancient relics from the Roman Empire. [relic: noun]
Example
The monks kept the holy relic in a special shrine for visitors to see. [relic: noun]
Example
The old watch was a family relic passed down from my great-grandfather. [relic: noun]
antique
Example
The antique shop had a collection of vintage furniture from the 1800s. [antique: noun]
Example
The antique car show featured classic cars from the 1920s and 1930s. [antique: adjective]
Example
The antique vase was worth a lot of money due to its rarity and age. [antique: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Antique is more commonly used than relic in everyday language, especially in the context of collectibles or items of interest for enthusiasts. Relic is less common and is often used in the context of historical or cultural artifacts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between relic and antique?
Antique is often associated with a formal or sophisticated tone, while relic can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context of its usage.
