What is another word for atavistic?

Pronunciation: [ˌatɐvˈɪstɪk] (IPA)

Atavistic is a term that describes a trait or characteristic that seems to be ancestral or primitive. There are various synonyms for the word atavistic, and these include prehistoric, ancient, primordial, primal, and archaic. These words suggest something from the earliest times or stages of development. Other synonyms for atavistic might include throwback, regressive, savage, or wild. These words describe traits that have been lost or buried over time but have emerged again. Lastly, retrograde, backward, or reversion are other synonyms to describe something that has gone back in time or reverted to an earlier state. These synonyms are useful for describing different aspects of atavistic tendencies.

Synonyms for Atavistic:

What are the hypernyms for Atavistic?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the opposite words for atavistic?

The word "atavistic" refers to the re-emergence of a trait that has been absent for several generations. The antonyms for this term include modern, contemporary, futuristic, innovative, and advanced. These words signify advancement, innovation, and modernism, which are quite the opposite of the word "atavistic." Unlike the tendency of atavistic people who cling to traditional ways, modern and contemporary approaches are progressive and up-to-date. Futuristic and innovative individuals embrace change and think ahead of their time. Thus, antonyms for atavistic describe individuals who embrace novelty and see change as an opportunity to advance.

What are the antonyms for Atavistic?

Usage examples for Atavistic

During the years perhaps we had become soft, our women weak and pampered-But, I reflected, looking at Vicki, it was only an atavistic stone's toss to our pioneer fathers' times, when tyrants had thought that force could intimidate us, that dignity was a thing of powerful government or ruthless dictatorship ...
"Backlash"
Winston Marks
The reason, I think, must be atavistic.
"The Gray Phantom's Return"
Herman Landon
He had caught the snap in my atavistic eye.
"A Fool and His Money"
George Barr McCutcheon

Famous quotes with Atavistic

  • In the face of technology, everything becomes a little atavistic.
    Don DeLillo
  • I don't think that what's going on in Bosnia is political activity. It's partly political, but it's partly atavistic as well.
    John Keegan
  • Deep down I have this atavistic feeling that really I should be in the country.
    Penelope Lively
  • It is almost impossible to be a doctor and an honest man, but it is obscenely impossible to be a psychiatrist without at the same time bearing the stamp of the most incontestable madness: that of being unable to resist that old atavistic reflex of the mass of humanity, which makes any man of science who is absorbed by this mass a kind of natural and inborn enemy of all genius.
    Antonin Artaud
  • One's worth and self-regard ought to come from individual competitive performance, not from group identity. Pride based on clan or tribal connections is atavistic. It appeals to people who fear they cannot succeed as individuals, and by diverting their energies it all but ensures they will not succeed as individuals.
    William A. Henry III

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