Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
archaism
noun
/ˈɑːr.kɪ.ɪ.zəm/
Definition
An archaism is a word, phrase, spelling, or style that is no longer in everyday use and is instead adopted for stylistic or historical effect.
Examples
- The use of the word ‘thou’ in modern literature can be seen as an archaism.
- Many poems from the Romantic era include archaisms to capture the tone of the time.
- Some legal documents still use archaisms that confuse modern readers.
Meaning
It signifies something that is considered outdated or old-fashioned, often evoking a sense of nostalgia or historical context.
Synonyms
- antiquity
- relic
- old-fashionedness
- obsolete term
