Definition

Proper noun 1. A historical figure: Gaius Julius Caesar was a Roman general, statesman, and dictator who played a critical role in the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. 2. A title and name: The name "Caesar" became a title for Roman emperors after his death, signifying imperial authority.

Usage Examples

• As a historical person:
  • Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River, an act of defiance against the Roman Senate.
  • The assassination of Julius Caesar occurred on the Ides of March.
  • Many historians study the military campaigns of Julius Caesar in Gaul.

Advanced Usage

• "Crossing the Rubicon": An idiom derived from Caesar's actions, meaning to pass a point of no return.
  • By resigning publicly, she had crossed the Rubicon; there was no going back to her old job.
• "The Ides of March": Refers specifically to March 15, the date of Caesar's assassination, and has come to symbolize a day of impending doom or betrayal.
  • He felt a sense of foreboding as the Ides of March approached.

Variants and Related Words

• Caesarean (or Cesarean) section (n): A surgical procedure for delivering a baby, popularly believed to be derived from Julius Caesar's birth, though this etymology is debated.
• Caesar (n): The title taken by Roman emperors.
• Caesarian (adj): Relating to or characteristic of Julius Caesar or the Caesars.

Synonyms

• Gaius Julius Caesar (full name)
• Caesar (common shorthand)
• The Dictator (referring to his official title in Rome)

Related Phrases

• "Et tu, Brute?": A Latin phrase meaning "And you, Brutus?" famously attributed to Caesar upon seeing his friend Brutus among his assassins, expressing betrayal by a trusted person.
• "Veni, vidi, vici": A Latin phrase meaning "I came, I saw, I conquered," a report attributed to Caesar describing a quick, decisive victory.

Related Idioms

• To render unto Caesar: From a biblical phrase, meaning to give what is due to secular authority. It implies acknowledging the proper jurisdiction of civil government.
  • He paid his taxes, believing in rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar's.

Noun

1. conqueror of Gaul and master of Italy (100-44 BC)