Word: old-fashioned

Meaning: Old-fashioned is an adjective describing something that is outdated, no longer in fashion, or reminiscent of an earlier time. It can also refer to a person who prefers traditional customs and ways of doing things.

Pronunciation:

• General American: /oʊldˈfæʃənd/
• Received Pronunciation: /əʊldˈfæʃənd/

Morphology: The word “old-fashioned” is an adjective that can be used to describe objects, people, or attitudes that are considered out of date or not in line with current trends.

Grammar notes: “Old-fashioned” is used attributively before a noun it describes, for example, “an old-fashioned dress.” It can also be used predicatively after a linking verb, for example, “Her taste in music is old-fashioned.”

Interesting facts: The term “old-fashioned” originally referred to a cocktail made by muddling sugar with bitters and adding whiskey or brandy in the late 19th century. It has now become a term more widely used to describe anything traditional or outdated.

Tips for learning: To remember the meaning of “old-fashioned,” think of something that your grandparents might like but that younger generations might find outdated. Making associations with older styles or customs can help solidify the word’s meaning in your mind.

Common word combinations: old-fashioned dress, old-fashioned values, old-fashioned way of thinking

Synonyms:

• Dated
• Outdated
• Traditional

Antonyms:

• New-fashioned

Sentence examples:

• Simple: She prefers old-fashioned furniture in her house.
• Medium: Despite being a modern architect, he has an old-fashioned approach to design.
• Complex: The old-fashioned elegance of the ballroom captivated guests from around the world.

Mini-tasks:

• Create a sentence using “old-fashioned.”
• Find a synonym for “old-fashioned.”