immemorial

im·me·mo·ri·al

adjective \ˌi-mə-ˈmȯr-ē-əl\

Definition of IMMEMORIAL

: extending or existing since beyond the reach of memory, record, or tradition <existing from time immemorial>

— im·me·mo·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

Examples of IMMEMORIAL

1. the immemorial roots of human spirituality
2. stories passed down from time immemorial

Origin of IMMEMORIAL

probably from French immémorial, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin immemorialis lacking memory, from Latin in- + memorialis memorial

First Known Use: 1602

Related to IMMEMORIAL

Synonyms

aged, age-old, antediluvian, antique, dateless, hoar, hoary, ancient, old, venerable

Antonyms

modern, new, recent

Related Words

aging (or ageing), mature; antiquated, archaic, archaistic, dated, fusty, geriatric, medieval (also mediaeval), moldy, Noachian, obsolete, outmoded, out-of-date, passé; old-fashioned, old-time, old-world, retro, vintage; durable, enduring, lasting, long-lived, permanent; ageless, hallowed, time-honored, timeless, time-tested, timeworn, traditional, tried, tried-and-true; classic, classical; prehistoric (also prehistorical), primeval, primordial

Near Antonyms

fresh, vernal, young, youthful; contemporary, current, latest, mod, novel, present-day, ultramodern; untested, untried; brand-new, unused, unworn

Rhymes with IMMEMORIAL

conductorial, curatorial, dictatorial, directorial, editorial, equatorial, incorporeal, janitorial, monitorial, monsignorial, natatorial, piscatorial, preceptorial, professorial, purgatorial, reportorial, senatorial, territorial