Definition

Proper noun: * Historical figure and author: Sir Thomas More was an English lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman, and noted Renaissance humanist. He is chiefly remembered for his opposition to the Protestant Reformation, his book Utopia, and his execution for refusing to accept King Henry VIII as head of the Church of England.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Thomas More wrote his most famous work, Utopia, in Latin.
  • The life and martyrdom of Thomas More have been the subject of many plays and films.
  • Scholars study the political ideas of Thomas More.

Advanced Usage

• "More's Utopia": This phrase specifically refers to his seminal work depicting an idealized island society with perfect social, legal, and political systems.
  • The concept of common property in More's Utopia was revolutionary for its time.

Variants and Related Words

• Utopian (adj): Modeled on or aiming for a state of perfection in laws, government, and social conditions, derived from More's book .
  • His plans for the community were dismissed as utopian and impractical.
• Utopia (n): An imagined place or state of things where everything is perfect, originating from the title of More's book.
  • The novel describes a technological utopia.

Synonyms

• Saint Thomas More: Refers to his canonized status in the Catholic Church.
• Sir Thomas More: Refers to his knighthood.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A man for all seasons": This phrase, popularized by Robert Bolt's play about More, describes someone who is successful and adaptable in many different situations or periods, embodying integrity.
  • His wide-ranging skills made him a true man for all seasons in the company.

Noun

1. English statesman who opposed Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon and was imprisoned and beheaded; recalled for his concept of Utopia, the ideal state