obsolete word

[/ˈɑbsəliːt wɜrd/]
nounpl: obsolete words
palavra obsoleta
1. A word that is no longer in common use; a word that has fallen out of favor and is rarely used in modern language
The word 'thee' is an obsolete word in modern English.
A palavra 'thee' é uma palavra obsoleta no inglês moderno.
2. A word that exists in historical texts but is not employed in contemporary speech or writing
Many obsolete words can still be found in Shakespeare's works.
Muitas palavras obsoletas ainda podem ser encontradas nas obras de Shakespeare.
Obsolete words are primarily of interest to linguists, historians, and scholars of literature. In both American and Brazilian cultures, understanding obsolete words helps readers appreciate classic literature and understand linguistic evolution. English has many obsolete words from Middle English and Early Modern English periods, while Portuguese has archaic terms from Old Portuguese and Classical periods.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
archaic wordoutdated wordold-fashioned wordantiquated worddisused word
Antonyms / Antônimos
modern wordcontemporary wordcurrent wordneologism

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
palavra obsoleta
Standard term used in linguistics and education
Portugal
palavra obsoleta
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; sometimes 'palavra desusada'
Academic
palavra arcaica ou palavra em desuso
Alternative academic terminology

Related Words

archaicdefunctextinct languagehistorical usageetymology

Related Idioms & Phrases

dead language
lost word
extinct terminology
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