Definition

1. Noun:
   • An additional name or epithet appended to a person's name: An "agnomen" is a secondary or additional name, often descriptive or honorific, that is added to a person's original name, typically to commemorate an achievement, describe a characteristic, or distinguish them further.

Usage

• The term "agnomen" is used primarily in historical, classical, or formal contexts. It refers to a specific type of nickname or title that becomes part of how an individual is formally recognized.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The Roman general Scipio was given the agnomen "Africanus" after his victory in Africa.
  • "Ivan the Terrible" is a famous historical example where "the Terrible" serves as an agnomen.

Advanced Usage

• In ancient Roman culture, an "agnomen" was the fourth and often final name in the full Roman naming convention (, , , agnomen), awarded for a specific accomplishment.
  • Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus—here, "Africanus" is the agnomen.

Variants and Related Words

• Epithet (n): A descriptive word or phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned. (e.g., )
• Sobriquet (n): A nickname.
• Cognomen (n): In Roman names, a family name; more generally, a surname or a nickname.

Synonyms

• Honorific: A title or term of respect.
• By-name: Another term for a nickname or secondary name.
• Appellation: A name or title.

Related Phrases

• To earn an agnomen: To achieve a deed significant enough to be granted an additional, commemorative name.
  • The warrior earned the agnomen "Lionheart" for his bravery.

Notes

• An "agnomen" is distinct from a simple nickname; it is traditionally formal and often publicly conferred. It is closely related to, but sometimes more specific than, an "epithet."

Noun

1. an additional name or an epithet appended to a name (as in `Ferdinand the Great')