Definition

Adjective: - Very ancient; having existed for a very long time: Describes something, typically a tradition, practice, or feeling, that has been in existence for many centuries or generations.

Usage

The adjective "age-old" is used to attribute great antiquity to a concept, custom, problem, or story. It emphasizes that something is not new but has been a part of human experience for an immeasurably long period. It is typically used before a noun.

Examples

• The conflict is driven by age-old rivalries between the two communities.
• Storytellers passed down these age-old tales from one generation to the next.
• Finding a balance between work and life is an age-old challenge.

Advanced Usage

• "age-old tradition": A custom or practice that has been observed for centuries.
  • The village still follows the age-old tradition of celebrating the harvest moon.
• "age-old question": A fundamental problem or query that has puzzled people for a very long time.
  • "What is the meaning of life?" is an age-old question.

Variants and Related Words

• Time-honored (adj): Respected because it has been used or done for a long time. (Often implies positive value and respect, whereas "age-old" is more neutral regarding value.)
  • They performed the time-honored ceremony.
• Ancient (adj): Of or from a long time ago. (Can describe objects, civilizations, or times; "age-old" more often describes abstract concepts.)
  • They studied ancient Greek philosophy.
• Archaic (adj): Very old or old-fashioned, often to the point of being no longer used. (Can have a negative connotation; "age-old" is generally neutral or positive.)
  • The law is based on archaic principles.

Synonyms

• Ancient
• Timeworn
• Hoary
• Immemorial

Antonyms

• New
• Modern
• Recent
• Novel

Related Phrases and Idioms

• As old as the hills: An idiom meaning extremely old.
  • That joke is as old as the hills. (Note: This idiom is a comparative phrase, not a direct variant of "age-old".)

Adjective

1. belonging to or lasting from times long ago
   • age-old customs
   • the antique fear that days would dwindle away to complete darkness