Time Immemorial
Definition
Since ancient times; prior to anyone’s recall. Originally used in English law to mean beyond legal memory, fixed by the Statute of Westminster (1275). Now used to simply mean a very long time ago.
Related Terms & Expressions
- Time Out of Mind: Equally ancient, used in literature and law to express something beyond the memory of any living person.
- Since the Beginning of Time: Often used humorously or hyperbolically to emphasize great antiquity or long-standing traditions.
- From the Dawn of History: Another poetic way to illustrate something exceedingly old.
Synonyms
- From Time Immemorial
- Since Ages Past
- Anciently
Antonyms
- Recently
- Just Yesterday
- In Living Memory
Example in Literature
- “This deformity… it had been the custom, time immemorial, to look upon as the greatest ornament of the human visage.” — Oliver Goldsmith, The Bee, 1759.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Time immemorial is just a fancy way of saying ‘I don’t even remember when.’” — W.T. Wittywords
- “If I had a dollar for every time someone used ’time immemorial,’ I’d be older than time itself.” — P. Archetype
Proverbs
- “Old is gold.”
- “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.”
References in Literature, Music, and Movies
- Literature: Beowulf (Anonymous), The Histories by Herodotus.
- Music: “Ancient Times” by Loreena McKennitt.
- Movies: The Ten Commandments (1956), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) for their references to ancient artifacts.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell 🌟
As we part ways, ponder on this: while the phrase “time immemorial” speaks of the unfathomable depths of history, our understanding and appreciation for our past enlightens our present and shapes our future. Remember, the stories of yesteryears carry the wisdom to inspire morrows.
Until next time, may your words be timeless.
### Which of these is a genuine ancient term?
- [x] Time Immemorial
- [ ] Clocking the Clouds
- [ ] Hours of the Ancients
- [ ] Tick-Tock Through History
> **Explanation:** "Time Immemorial" is a real historical term meaning a time beyond memory. The others are imaginatively nonsensical!
### Which phrase is genuine?
- [x] Time Out of Mind
- [ ] Dancing with Ancient Tapestries
- [ ] Singing of Stone Ages
- [ ] Breathing Old Myths
> **Explanation:** "Time Out of Mind" is a valid literary and legal expression indicating a very ancient period beyond living memory.
### True or False: 'Since the beginning of time' is a cliché
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! This phrase is often used to emphasize the oldest conceivable time frame in a hyperbolic manner.
