atavistic Definition
relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral.
Using atavistic: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "atavistic" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The atavistic instincts of the human brain can be seen in our fight or flight response.
Example
The artist's work was inspired by atavistic themes from ancient mythology.
Example
The tribe's atavistic rituals and traditions have been passed down for generations.
atavistic Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for atavistic
- primitive
- archaic
- primeval
- prehistoric
- ancestral
Antonyms for atavistic
Phrases with atavistic
a sudden increase or revival of ancient or ancestral traits or behaviors
Example
The recent political climate has seen an atavistic resurgence of nationalism and xenophobia.
atavistic tendencies
innate or instinctive behaviors or traits that are reminiscent of ancient or ancestral times
Example
The child's atavistic tendencies towards aggression and territoriality worried his parents.
fears or phobias that are rooted in ancient or ancestral times, often related to survival instincts
Example
Many people have atavistic fears of snakes or spiders, even if they pose no real threat.
Origins of atavistic
from Latin 'atavus', meaning 'ancestor'
Summary: atavistic in Brief
'Atavistic' [ˌætəˈvɪstɪk] refers to a characteristic of reverting to something ancient or ancestral. It can describe innate behaviors or traits that are reminiscent of ancient times, such as 'atavistic tendencies,' or fears and phobias that are rooted in survival instincts, such as 'atavistic fears.' The term is often used in formal contexts and can be seen in phrases like 'atavistic resurgence,' which describes a sudden increase or revival of ancient or ancestral traits or behaviors.
