Meaning & use
depths of time
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Meaning
phrasefixed phraseliterary
A very long period of time, especially one that seems endless or reaches far into the past or future.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, often after in or into: in the depths of time.
Patterns
- in the depths of time
- into the depths of time
- the depths of time
These rocks were formed in the depths of time, long before humans appeared.
The story goes back into the depths of time, when giants walked the earth.
Looking at the stars, she felt connected to the depths of time.
Common combinations
- in the depths of time
- The legend began in the depths of time.
- go back into the depths of time
- The family history goes back into the depths of time.
- lost in the depths of time
- That ancient city is now lost in the depths of time.
Synonyms and how they differ
- the mists of time
- The mists of time also means a very long time ago, but it often emphasizes that details are forgotten or unclear, while depths of time emphasizes vastness.
- antiquity
- Antiquity refers to the ancient past, especially of civilizations, and is more formal and specific than depths of time.
Commonly confused: depths of time or the sands of time?
depths of time vs the sands of time
The sands of time is a different literary phrase meaning the passing of time, often with a sense of urgency or loss.
Practice
The phrase 'depths of time' is most likely to appear in _____.
Choose one answer.
Depths of time is a literary phrase used in descriptive or poetic writing, not in practical lists or reports.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “depths of time”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.