Archaism
noun
A word or style of language that was used in the past but is no longer common.
Shakespeare's plays contain many archaisms that can be difficult for modern readers.
Often appears as...
- literary archaism
- use an archaism
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
noun
Something that is old-fashioned and no longer used or useful.
The typewriter is an archaism in the age of computers.
Often appears as...
- cultural archaism
- technological archaism
noun
A word or style of language that was used in the past but is no longer common.
Shakespeare's plays contain many archaisms that can be difficult for modern readers.
Often appears as...
- literary archaism
- use an archaism
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
noun
Something that is old-fashioned and no longer used or useful.
The typewriter is an archaism in the age of computers.
Often appears as...
- cultural archaism
- technological archaism
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Context
Archaism reflects language from a specific historical period; knowing the context helps comprehension.
Reading Chaucer's work, one encounters numerous archaisms indicative of Middle English.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary Charm
Writers may use archaisms intentionally to give a timeless charm to their work.
Fantasy novels often use archaisms to create a sense of an ancient world.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Everyday Speech
Archaism is rarely used in daily conversation; it's more common in literature or formal texts.
He greeted us, 'Good morrow!', an archaism that sounded oddly formal today.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Context
Archaism reflects language from a specific historical period; knowing the context helps comprehension.
Reading Chaucer's work, one encounters numerous archaisms indicative of Middle English.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary Charm
Writers may use archaisms intentionally to give a timeless charm to their work.
Fantasy novels often use archaisms to create a sense of an ancient world.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Everyday Speech
Archaism is rarely used in daily conversation; it's more common in literature or formal texts.
He greeted us, 'Good morrow!', an archaism that sounded oddly formal today.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Context
Archaism reflects language from a specific historical period; knowing the context helps comprehension.
Reading Chaucer's work, one encounters numerous archaisms indicative of Middle English.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary Charm
Writers may use archaisms intentionally to give a timeless charm to their work.
Fantasy novels often use archaisms to create a sense of an ancient world.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Everyday Speech
Archaism is rarely used in daily conversation; it's more common in literature or formal texts.
He greeted us, 'Good morrow!', an archaism that sounded oddly formal today.
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Video examples
Adam Nicolson: The King...
60s he said he was wanting a timeless prose in which archaism and hallowed associations were to be avoided and a sense of reality sought now the sense of
Video examples
Adam Nicolson: The King...
60s he said he was wanting a timeless prose in which archaism and hallowed associations were to be avoided and a sense of reality sought now the sense of
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Diane Wakoski
American Poet
Sometimes the archaism of the language when it's spoken is why we are all in love with the Irish today.
Quote examples
Diane Wakoski
American Poet
Sometimes the archaism of the language when it's spoken is why we are all in love with the Irish today.
Example 1 of 1
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