Victorian
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Relating to the period, style, or attitudes of the reign of Queen Victoria of Great Britain (1837-1901): This describes anything characteristic of that historical era.
- Characterized by a strict or conservative moral attitude, often considered prudish or old-fashioned: This describes behavior or standards perceived as excessively proper, modest, or rigid, reminiscent of the moral climate often associated with the Victorian era.
Noun:
- A person who lived during the reign of Queen Victoria: This refers to an individual from that historical period.
- A person with old-fashioned or strict moral views: This describes someone who adheres to or embodies conservative moral principles.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- The house was built in the Victorian style, with ornate decorations and a large porch.
- His Victorian attitudes towards relationships seemed out of place in the modern office.
- We studied Victorian literature, focusing on the novels of Charles Dickens.
Noun:
- The Victorians made significant advances in engineering and industry.
- My grandfather is a bit of a Victorian when it comes to table manners.
Advanced Usage
"victorian values": A phrase often used to refer to a set of moral principles emphasizing hard work, respectability, sexual restraint, and strict social codes.
- The politician's speech called for a return to Victorian values.
Used to imply something is outdated or excessively prudish in a critical way.
- Such a Victorian view of art censorship is no longer tenable.
Variants and Related Words
- Victorianism (n): The qualities, beliefs, or practices characteristic of the Victorian era, especially its moral attitudes.
- The book critiques the social constraints of Victorianism.
Synonyms
- Adjective (for moral sense): Prudish, straitlaced, prim, proper, puritanical, old-fashioned.
- Adjective (for historical sense): Nineteenth-century, of the Victorian era.
Antonyms
- Adjective (for moral sense): Liberal, permissive, modern, progressive, broad-minded.
Related Phrases
Victorian era: The historical period of Queen Victoria's reign.
- The Industrial Revolution accelerated during the Victorian era.
Post-Victorian: Referring to the period or attitudes following the Victorian era.
Adjective
- typical of the moral standards or conduct of the age of Queen Victoria
- exaggeratedly proper
- my straitlaced Aunt Anna doesn't approve of my miniskirts
- of or relating to Queen Victoria of Great Britain or to the age in which she ruled
- Victorian morals
Noun
- a person who lived during the reign of Victoria