Age-old

Describing something that has existed for a very long time, often originating from a distant past, and frequently implying a tradition, custom, or problem that has persisted throughout generations. The term often carries a sense of historical significance, ingrained practice, or established characteristic. age-old can refer to both tangible objects and abstract concepts. Its usage emphasizes a connection to antiquity and enduring relevance, suggesting resilience and established status. It frequently highlights the significance of something, and its survival through the passage of time. age-old implies a historical depth and a sense of continuity that is deeply embedded within the fabric of society, culture, or nature.

Age-old meaning with examples

• The villagers grappled with age-old superstitions, fearing the forest's shadows. Their fear, passed down through generations, dictated their harvest rituals and social interactions. Despite modernization's advance, these deeply rooted beliefs proved remarkably persistent, shaping every facet of their lives and resisting any attempts to deviate from established practices.
• The ruins of the ancient city whispered tales of age-old conflicts. The crumbling walls and weathered stones held echoes of battles and shifting alliances. The architecture was a testament to the age-old rivalry between the city's families and the empires that had controlled it. The remains served as a visible reminder of the past.
• Scientists struggled to solve the age-old mysteries of the universe. They debated origins, and sought answers to fundamental questions about the nature of reality. The search for dark matter and dark energy represented a modern endeavor into an age-old quest for knowledge, hoping to reconcile scientific principles with the observed properties of the cosmos.
• The couple found themselves facing age-old societal pressures to conform to conventional roles. Family expectations and community judgments created complex, and emotionally taxing, hurdles in their relationships. The battle between individual desires and societal conformity represented an age-old challenge for individuals striving for personal autonomy.
• Within the forest, an age-old tree stood, towering over the landscape. Its gnarled branches bore silent witness to centuries of storms and seasonal changes. This imposing presence symbolized resilience, enduring strength, and the profound interconnectedness of nature and history, reminding observers of nature's lasting power.