Definitions

1. noun

A person who believes in the doctrine of atavism, especially one who believes in the reappearance of ancestral traits in an individual or a group.

“The atavist saw the resurgence of a long-dormant skill in the younger generation as proof of their inherited abilities.”

2. noun

A person who looks back nostalgically to a past era or period, often with a sense of romanticism or a desire to revive past customs or traditions.

“The atavist in her admired the old-fashioned craftsmanship of the antique furniture, and she often sought out similar pieces for her own home.”