Antedated

To antedate means to precede in time; to be earlier than something else. Specifically, it refers to assigning an earlier date than the actual date something occurred. It can apply to documents, events, objects, or even ideas. The word suggests a temporal relationship where one thing exists or is dated prior to another. Often, 'antedated' implies a potential discrepancy between the stated or assumed date and the actual occurrence, though not necessarily with malicious intent. Sometimes, it's simply about determining priority or the origin of something.

Antedated meaning with examples

• The archaeological findings suggested that the settlement antedated the arrival of the Roman legions, pushing back the known history of the region by several centuries.
• The historian argued that the philosophical ideas expressed in the treatise actually antedated the commonly accepted period of enlightenment, influencing earlier thinkers.
• The treaty, though officially signed in 1920, was clearly antedated to 1919 to create a specific legal advantage following the war and its outcome.
• The artist's signature on the painting was believed to have been antedated to increase its value, raising concerns among art collectors and historians.