Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or characteristic of the Middle Ages: Pertaining to the historical period in Europe roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century.
   • Old-fashioned and unenlightened: Suggestive of the attitudes or practices of the Middle Ages, often used figuratively to describe something outdated or primitive.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Historical Period):
  • The castle is a fine example of mediaeval architecture.
  • He is an expert on mediaeval history and literature.
• Adjective (Figurative, Outdated):
  • Their views on management are positively mediaeval.
  • We need to update these mediaeval laws.

Advanced Usage

• "mediaeval in character": having the qualities of the Middle Ages.
  • The town's old quarter feels strangely mediaeval in character.
• "mediaeval mindset": a way of thinking considered outdated or superstitious.
  • His opposition to the new technology revealed a mediaeval mindset.

Variants and Related Words

• Medieval (adj): The more common modern spelling, identical in meaning to "mediaeval".
  • The museum has a collection of medieval manuscripts.
• Mediaevally (adv, rare): In a mediaeval manner.
  • The festival was mediaevally themed.

Synonyms

• Middle-Ages: Pertaining to the same historical era.
• Gothic: Often used for architecture or art from the later medieval period.
• Archaic: Very old or old-fashioned (for the figurative sense).
• Antiquated: Obsolete or out of date (for the figurative sense).

Related Phrases

• Mediaeval studies: The academic field focusing on the Middle Ages.
  • She is pursuing a degree in mediaeval studies.
• Dark Ages: A term sometimes used synonymously with the early Middle Ages, often implying cultural decline (note: this is a historical label with specific connotations).

Adjective

1. as if belonging to the Middle Ages; old-fashioned and unenlightened
   • a medieval attitude toward dating
2. relating to or belonging to the Middle Ages
   • Medieval scholars
   • Medieval times