Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to the Middle Ages: Pertaining to the historical period in Europe roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century.
   • Characteristic of the Middle Ages: Having qualities (such as beliefs, styles, or practices) typical of that era, including those related to chivalry and knighthood.
   • Old-fashioned or unenlightened: Used figuratively to describe something as antiquated, primitive, or not in accordance with modern ideas.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Historical Period):
  • Medieval architecture, like castles and cathedrals, is very impressive.
  • Scholars study medieval manuscripts to understand the past.
• Adjective (Figurative, Old-fashioned):
  • His views on management are positively medieval.
  • The company's medieval policies do not allow for remote work.

Advanced Usage

• "medieval mindset/attitude": A way of thinking considered outdated, superstitious, or harsh.
  • Their medieval attitude toward education stifles creativity.
• "go medieval on someone" (Informal Idiom): To punish or attack someone with extreme severity or brutality.
  • If they cheat us, we'll go medieval on them.

Variants and Related Words

• Medievalist (noun): A scholar who specializes in the study of the Middle Ages.
  • She is a renowned medievalist who has published many books.
• Medievalism (noun): The system of belief and practice characteristic of the Middle Ages, or a devotion to or sympathy with the Middle Ages.
  • The novel is steeped in a romantic medievalism.

Synonyms

• Feudal: Relating to the medieval social system.
• Gothic: Often used for architecture or art from the later medieval period.
• Antiquated: Old-fashioned or obsolete (for the figurative sense).
• Archaic: Very old or old-fashioned.

Antonyms

• Modern: Of the present or recent times.
• Contemporary: Belonging to or occurring in the present.
• Enlightened: Having or showing a rational, modern, and well-informed outlook.

Related Idioms

• "In the dark ages": In a state of ignorance or backwardness, often used similarly to the figurative sense of "medieval."
  • Their IT department is still in the dark ages; they use floppy disks.

Adjective

1. characteristic of the time of chivalry and knighthood in the Middle Ages
   • chivalric rites
   • the knightly years
2. as if belonging to the Middle Ages; old-fashioned and unenlightened
   • a medieval attitude toward dating
3. relating to or belonging to the Middle Ages
   • Medieval scholars
   • Medieval times