belonging to times long past 古代的; 远古的: ancient civilizations 古代的文明. （托福考试里几乎只考过这一个意思）
(usu joc 通常作戏谑语) very old 极老的: I feel pretty ancient when I see how the younger generation behaves. 看到年轻一代的举止行为, 我觉得我太老了. =>Usage at old 用法见old.
> the ancients n [pl]
people who lived in ancient times, esp the Greeks and Romans （尤指希腊及罗马的）古人.
# ,ancient `history history of the Greek and Roman civilizations 古代史（希腊及罗马文明史）.
,ancient `monument (Brit) old building, etc recognized by the Government as worth preserving 古迹 （尤指英国政府认为值得保存的古代建筑物）.