mediaeval
/,medi'i:vəl/ Cách viết khác : (medieval) /,medi'i:vəl/
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Definition
- 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Suggestive of the attitudes or practices of the Middle Ages, often used figuratively to describe something outdated or primitive.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- Adjective (Figurative, Outdated):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- "mediaeval mindset": a way of thinking considered outdated or superstitious.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- Antiquated: Obsolete or out of date (for the figurative sense).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
- as if belonging to the Middle Ages; old-fashioned and unenlightened
- a medieval attitude toward dating
- relating to or belonging to the Middle Ages
- Medieval scholars
- Medieval times