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Added 9 October 2026

antic

/ˈæn.tɪk/ noun

Categories: ActionsRare Words

Latin root: antiquus Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about antic at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. A ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement.

verb

  1. Act as or like a clown.

adjective

  1. Ludicrously odd.
    Hamlet's assumed antic disposition

Origin

Probably from Italian antico (“ancient”), used to describe ancient wall paintings from classical times, from Latin antiquus (“venerable”). See also Italian grottesco (“grotesque”). Doublet of antique.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Related Words: jokeprankcapertrickgrotesquestrangefantasticalclownfantasticunusualfrolic

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