denarius
Definition
- Noun:
- An ancient Roman silver coin: A "denarius" was the standard silver coin of the Roman Republic and Empire, first minted around 211 BCE. It typically weighed about 4.5 grams and was used for everyday transactions, military pay, and taxes. The coin often bore the image of a Roman deity or emperor on one side and a symbolic design on the other.
- A unit of value: In biblical and historical contexts, a "denarius" was equivalent to a day's wage for a common laborer or soldier.
Usage Examples
- (A coin used as daily wage.)
- (A coin representing a day's labor.)
- (Plural form referring to multiple coins.)
Advanced Usage
"A denarius of silver": A phrase used in historical texts to specify the metal content.
- The merchant demanded a denarius of silver for the fine pottery. (A specific silver coin of standard weight.)
"The denarius system": Refers to the Roman monetary system where the denarius was the main silver coin, alongside the aureus (gold) and sestertius (brass).
- Under Augustus, the denarius system was reformed to stabilize the economy. (The coinage structure of ancient Rome.)
Variants and Related Words
Denarii (n, plural): The standard plural form of denarius.
- The treasury held thousands of denarii. (Multiple coins.)
Denarian (adj): Relating to or consisting of denarii.
- The denarian value of the estate was estimated at 500 coins. (Pertaining to the coin's worth.)
Synonyms
- Silver coin: a general term for any coin made of silver.
- Roman coin: a broader category that includes denarii, sestertii, and aurei.
Phrasal Verbs
Related Idioms
"Not worth a denarius": An expression meaning something of very little value.
- His promises are not worth a denarius in this deal. (His promises are worthless.)
"A denarius for your thoughts": A historical variant of "a penny for your thoughts," used to ask someone what they are thinking.
- You seem lost in thought — a denarius for your thoughts? (A playful request for one's musings.)