Marcus Junius Brutus
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Definition
Proper noun A Roman politician and military commander in the late Roman Republic, historically known as being a leading figure in the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. He is often portrayed as a man motivated by principle and a desire to defend the Roman Republic against tyranny.
Usage Examples
- As a subject: was a senator of the Roman Republic.
- In historical context: The most famous act associated with is his participation in the Ides of March conspiracy.
- In literature: Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar" gives a famous, though dramatized, portrayal of .
Advanced Usage
- "Et tu, Brute?": A Latin phrase meaning "And you, Brutus?" famously attributed to Julius Caesar upon seeing Brutus among his assassins. It expresses profound betrayal by a trusted friend.
- When his closest colleague criticized him publicly, he felt it was a real "Et tu, Brute?" moment.
Variants and Related Words
- Brutus (Proper noun): The common shortened form used to refer to Marcus Junius Brutus.
- Brutus is a complex tragic figure in history.
Synonyms
- Conspirator: One who is involved in a secret plan to carry out an illegal or harmful act.
- Assassin: One who murders a politically important person.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- The noblest Roman of them all: A phrase from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" (Act V, Scene V), spoken by Mark Antony about Brutus after his death, suggesting he was the only conspirator who acted for the general good of Rome.
- Though they disagreed, he called his opponent "the noblest Roman of them all" for his principled stance.
Noun
- statesman of ancient Rome who (with Cassius) led a conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar (85-42 BC)