prehistoric

/ˌpriːhɪˈstɒrɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌpriːhɪˈstɔːrɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌprē-(h)i-ˈstȯr-ik -ˈstär-/ (ame, mw)

prehistoric — adjective

  • prehistoricpositive
  • more prehistoriccomparative
  • most prehistoricsuperlative

1. connected with the long period in human history before people began to write dow

1.形容詞B2
釋義

connected with the long period in human history before people began to write down information

例句

Chen found a prehistoric stone tool near the river during a weekend hike.

attributive: prehistoric + noun (stone tool)

The museum exhibit shows how prehistoric humans learned to control fire for cooking and warmth.

同義詞
  • ancient

    broader term covering any very old period, including historical civilizations with written records

  • primeval

    refers to the earliest period of the earth's formation, often before human life existed

  • primitive

    focuses on lack of development or sophistication; may sound negative about people

反義詞
  • historical

    belongs to a time when written records existed

  • modern

    belongs to the present or recent times

用法筆記

This is the core historical sense. It is used mainly before a noun to describe things from the time before written records, such as tools, art, animals, or people.

常見錯誤

❌The dinosaur is a prehistoric animal that lived 200 million years ago.
✅Dinosaurs are prehistoric animals that lived 200 million years ago.
💡We do not refer to a single extinct animal as 'is' in the present tense when it no longer exists. Use present tense only for general facts about extinct groups.

2. extremely old-fashioned and no longer useful or acceptable in modern life

2.形容詞B2
釋義

extremely old-fashioned and no longer useful or acceptable in modern life

例句

My grandfather still uses a prehistoric mobile phone that only makes calls.

informal use: calling old technology prehistoric

The company finally replaced its prehistoric computer system after years of slow performance.

同義詞
  • outdated

    less dramatic; simply no longer current

  • antiquated

    slightly more formal and emphatic

  • archaic

    suggests something belongs to a much earlier era and feels very out of place

反義詞

用法筆記

This sense is always critical or humorous. It is common in everyday conversation when complaining about old technology, furniture, or systems. Avoid using it about people unless you intend to be rude.

常見錯誤

❌My grandmother is so prehistoric.
✅My grandmother's radio is prehistoric.
💡Calling a person prehistoric is very insulting. Use this word for objects and systems, not people.