Definition

Relating to a time before a great flood, often used to describe something very old or outdated.

Example

The museum displayed antediluvian artifacts that were thousands of years old.

Conversation

Have you seen that antediluvian movie about dinosaurs?

Yeah, I watched it last week! It feels so old-fashioned.

Right? The special effects are definitely antediluvian compared to what we have now.

True, but it still has its charm in a nostalgic way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Antediluvian is formed from "ante-" (meaning before) and "diluvium" (from Latin, meaning flood). The term refers to the time period before the great flood described in the Bible, thus meaning 'before the flood.'

Memory Tip

Think of 'ante-' meaning 'before' and 'diluvium' meaning 'flood' to remember that 'antediluvian' refers to the time before the flood.

Visually Confused Words