Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to war, the military, or soldiers: Describes anything connected with armed forces, warfare, or military life.
   • Characteristic of a warrior; soldierly: Describes a person, bearing, or quality that is brave, disciplined, or befitting a soldier.

2. Noun:

   • A Roman poet: Refers to Marcus Valerius Martialis, a Latin poet from the 1st century AD known for his epigrams.

Usage

• The adjective martial is used to describe things directly associated with war or the military. It often carries a formal or literary tone.
• The noun form is a proper name and is always capitalized (Martial).

Examples

• Adjective:

  • The general declared martial law to restore order in the city.
  • He has a very martial demeanor, standing tall and speaking with authority.
  • The country has a long martial tradition.

• Noun:

  • The epigrams of Martial provide insight into Roman society.

Advanced Usage

• "Martial music": Music that is intended for or characteristic of military use, such as marches.

  • The parade began with the sound of martial music from the army band.

• "Martial arts": (Listed under 'Variants and Related Words') Various sports or skills, mainly of East Asian origin, that originated as forms of self-defense or attack, such as judo or karate.

  • She has trained in the martial arts for over a decade.

Variants and Related Words

• Martially (adverb): In a martial manner.

  • The troops marched martially past the reviewing stand.

• Martial law (noun phrase): The temporary rule by military authorities, imposed on a civilian population especially in time of war or when civil authority has broken down.

  • During the crisis, the government imposed martial law.

• Martial arts (noun phrase): Systems of combat and self-defense practices.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Military, warlike, soldierly, bellicose, combative.
• Antonyms: Adjective: Peaceful, civilian, pacific.

Related Phrases

• Court-martial (noun/verb): A military court for trying members of the armed forces accused of offenses against military law; to try by such a court.
  • The officer faced a court-martial for disobeying orders.

Adjective

1. of or relating to the armed forces
   • martial law
2. suggesting war or military life
3. (of persons) befitting a warrior
   • a military bearing

Noun

1. Roman poet noted for epigrams (first century BC)