B1adjective3K

Old-fashioned

UK /["/ˌəʊld ˈfæʃnd/"]/US /["/ˌəʊld ˈfæʃnd/"]/

Definition

not modern; no longer fashionable

In simple words: Something that is no longer in style or is from the past.

Examples

  • My grandmother prefers old-fashioned clothing, which she believes is more comfortable.
  • The restaurant has an old-fashioned charm that attracts many visitors.
  • He has some old-fashioned ideas about relationships that don't fit in today's world.
  • The old-fashioned way of doing things can sometimes be the most effective.
  • I enjoy reading old-fashioned novels that have rich characters and elaborate plots.

Usage notes

Use 'old-fashioned' to describe things that are not modern, such as clothing or ideas. It might sound critical in casual settings but can also be used fondly.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of an old-timey style, like a vintage clothing shop.

Collocations

  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • in
  • call me old-fashioned
  • a good old-fashioned…
  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • in
  • call me old-fashioned
  • a good old-fashioned…

Synonyms

  • dated

Antonyms

  • modern
  • contemporary

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'outdated', as they have different connotations.
  • Using it to describe something that is simply classic, which can have a positive meaning.