Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to, belonging to, or resembling Neanderthal man: Describes characteristics, features, or artifacts associated with the extinct species of archaic human, Homo neanderthalensis.

Usage

• The adjective "neanderthalian" is used in anthropological, archaeological, and paleontological contexts to describe traits, fossils, tools, or behaviors attributed to Neanderthals. It is a formal and specialized term.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The archaeologists discovered neanderthalian tools at the dig site.
  • Studies of the neanderthalian skeleton provided new insights into their posture.
  • Some argue that certain neanderthalian traits can be found in modern human populations.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically in informal, often pejorative, contexts to describe someone or something perceived as extremely primitive, crude, or outdated. However, this usage is considered insensitive and scientifically inaccurate.
  • His views on gender roles are positively neanderthalian. (Informal, pejorative)

Variants and Related Words

• Neanderthal (Adjective/Noun): The more common and standard form. As an adjective, it has the same meaning as "neanderthalian." As a noun, it refers to the species or an individual.
  • Neanderthal fossils have been found across Europe and Asia.
• Neanderthaloid (Adjective): An older, less common synonym meaning resembling a Neanderthal.

Synonyms

• Neanderthal (adj.)
• Paleolithic (adj., in a broader sense relating to the Old Stone Age, when Neanderthals lived)
• Archaic human (adj., as a descriptive phrase)

Antonyms

• Modern human (adj.)
• Anatomically modern (adj.)
• Homo sapiens (adj.)

Adjective

1. relating to or belonging to or resembling Neanderthal man
   • Neanderthal skull