mindmap root((古老)) old may apply to either actual or relative length of existence: an ~ sweater of mine. ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past: ~ accounts of dragons. venerable stresses the hoariness and dignity of great age: the family's ~ patriarch. antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time: collected ~ Chippendale furniture. antiquated implies that something is discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time: ~ teaching methods. antediluvian suggests that something is so antiquated or outmoded that it might have come from the time before the flood and Noah's ark: an ~ mode of travel. archaic implies that something has the character or characteristics of a much earlier time: the play used ~ language to convey a sense of period. obsolete implies qualities that have gone out of currency or habitual practice: this nuclear missile will make all others ~.