ดึกดำบรรพ์
prehistoric
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 prehistoric、primeval
- 2 prehistory、primeval times
This word refers to the remote past, especially prehistoric or primeval times and things belonging to them. It can also describe something as extremely old-fashioned or primitive.
prehistoric、primeval
Describes something belonging to the remote prehistoric or primeval past.
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มนุษย์ดึกดำบรรพ์อาศัยอยู่ในถ้ำ mánút dʉ̀kdamban aasǎy yùu nay thâm Prehistoric humans lived in caves. มนุษย์ดึกดำบรรพ์อาศัยอยู่ในถ้ำ details
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สัตว์ดึกดำบรรพ์บางชนิดสูญพันธุ์ไปแล้ว sàt dʉ̀kdamban baaŋ chanít sǔun phan pay lɛ́ɛw Some prehistoric animals are already extinct. สัตว์ดึกดำบรรพ์บางชนิดสูญพันธุ์ไปแล้ว details
prehistory、primeval times
Refers to the extremely remote past or prehistory, often in expressions meaning “since time immemorial.”
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ประเพณีนี้มีมาตั้งแต่ดึกดำบรรพ์ prapheenii níi mii maa tâŋ tɛ̀ɛ dʉ̀kdamban This tradition has existed since ancient times. ประเพณีนี้มีมาตั้งแต่ดึกดำบรรพ์ details
Learning notes
Explanation
The central image is not merely something old, but something from a past so remote that it feels primeval or prehistoric. It commonly follows a noun, as in มนุษย์ดึกดำบรรพ์ “prehistoric humans” and สัตว์ดึกดำบรรพ์ “prehistoric animals.” In phrases such as มาแต่ดึกดำบรรพ์ or มาตั้งแต่ดึกดำบรรพ์, it means “since primeval times” or “since time immemorial.” ซากดึกดำบรรพ์ is the standard expression for a fossil and is worth learning as a fixed term. When applied to something modern, the word becomes an exaggeration: it suggests that the thing is so outdated or primitive that it seems prehistoric.
Usage
It is common in textbooks, museums, news reports, and documentaries discussing archaeology, paleontology, history, or evolution. In everyday speech, it may emphasize how long a custom has existed or humorously criticize an outdated system, idea, or piece of equipment.
Caution
เก่า is the ordinary word for “old,” while โบราณ broadly means “ancient” or “traditional.” ดึกดำบรรพ์ reaches much farther back and normally evokes prehistory or primeval times. When used for something only a few years old, it is deliberate exaggeration rather than a literal description.
Differences from similar words
1 prehistoric synonyms
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โบราณ broadly describes ancient or traditional objects, buildings, and customs. ดึกดำบรรพ์ suggests a much more remote, often prehistoric past.
2 prehistory synonyms
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โบราณกาล is a somewhat literary term for ancient times. ดึกดำบรรพ์ more strongly evokes the primeval or prehistoric past.