antediluvial

9.9

From a time before the flood in the Bible

adjective
/ˌæn.tɪ.dɪˈluː.vi.əl/

Literature

: antediluviano

Ancient texts sometimes reference antediluvial civilizations lost to history.

Examples

The scientist studied fossils from antediluvial strata to learn about prehistoric life.
Myths about antediluvial creatures abound in various cultures around the world.
The antediluvial civilization was known for its advanced architecture.
Many myths reference antediluvial societies that lived in harmony with nature.
Many myths reference antediluvial societies that lived in harmony with nature.
The antediluvial civilization was known for its advanced architecture.
Ancient texts sometimes reference antediluvial civilizations lost to history.

Synonyms

antediluvian

vsantediluvial

2 9.9

Very old-fashioned and out of date

is about the specific time before the biblical flood rather than a figurative age

How Ancient

antediluvial

Literature

9.9

ancient

∞ 3.4

archaic

34 9.9

old

∞ 1.0

recent

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

antediluvial positive

Morphology

antediluvial = diluvial (transparent) = ante + diluvial

Formed by the prefix 'ante-' meaning 'before' added to 'diluvial' (relating to a flood), yielding a directly compositional meaning 'before the Flood'.

Etymology

Antediluvial breaks into ante- meaning 'before' and diluvium meaning 'flood', like the English word deluge. So, antediluvial first meant 'from before the great Flood in the Bible' and now often means 'very old'.