Antedates – Definition & Meaning

Antedates are a term that refers to something that existed or happened before a particular date. It is a word that is commonly used in history and archaeology to describe events, objects, or structures that predate a specific period. The term is also used in legal documents to refer to a date that is earlier than the actual date of the document.

Definitions

The definition of antedates is quite simple. It means to come before something else in time. It can refer to a wide range of things, from ancient artifacts to historical events. In the context of legal documents, antedates refer to a date that is earlier than the actual date of the document.

Origin

The word antedates comes from the Latin word “ante,” which means “before,” and “data,” which means “given.” The word was first used in the English language in the early 17th century.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of antedates is consistent across different dictionaries. It is defined as something that existed or happened before a particular date. Some dictionaries also include the legal definition, which refers to a date that is earlier than the actual date of the document.

Associations

Antedates are often associated with history, archaeology, and legal documents. In history and archaeology, antedates are used to describe ancient artifacts, structures, and events that predate a specific period. In legal documents, antedates are used to establish an earlier date for a particular transaction or agreement.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of antedates include precedes, predates, comes before, and antecedes.

Antonyms

Some antonyms of antedates include follows, postdates, and comes after.

The same root words

Antedates is derived from the Latin words “ante” and “data.” Other words derived from the same root include antebellum, antecedent, and antepenultimate.

Example Sentences

1. The ancient ruins antedate the Roman Empire.
2. The contract was antedated to show an earlier agreement.
3. The discovery of the fossil antedates the previous estimate of the species’ existence.
4. The manuscript antedates the printing press by several centuries.
5. The painting was antedated by carbon dating to the 16th century.