spartan
/'spɑ:tən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Practicing great self-denial; austere and disciplined: Describes a lifestyle, environment, or person characterized by extreme simplicity, frugality, and avoidance of luxury or comfort.
- Unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment: Describes a strict, harsh, or rigorous approach to rules, training, or behavior.
- Resolute in the face of pain, danger, or adversity: Describes courage, endurance, or toughness, especially under difficult conditions.
- Of or relating to ancient Sparta or its people: Pertaining to the characteristics, culture, or society of the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta.
Noun:
- A resident of Sparta: A person who lived in or was a citizen of the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- He leads a spartan life, owning only the bare essentials. (Describing an austere lifestyle.)
- The army barracks had spartan accommodations with just a bed and a locker. (Describing a simple, non-luxurious environment.)
- Her spartan discipline allowed her to train for the marathon despite the bad weather. (Describing rigorous self-discipline.)
- The soldiers showed spartan courage during the long siege. (Describing resolute bravery.)
- The spartan warriors were known for their military prowess. (Relating to ancient Sparta.)
Noun:
- Leonidas was a famous Spartan who led the defense at Thermopylae. (Referring to a citizen of Sparta.)
Advanced Usage
"Spartan simplicity": A phrase emphasizing extreme minimalism and lack of adornment.
- The room was decorated with Spartan simplicity, containing only a table and a chair.
"Spartan conditions": A phrase describing an environment that is very basic, harsh, or lacking in comforts.
- The researchers lived in Spartan conditions at the remote Arctic station.
Variants and Related Words
- Sparta (n): The ancient Greek city-state known for its militaristic society and austere culture.
- Spartanly (adv): In a spartan manner; with austerity or rigorous discipline.
- He lived spartanly, saving most of his income.
Synonyms
- Austere: Severe or strict in manner or attitude; having no comforts or luxuries.
- Ascetic: Characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence.
- Rigorous: Extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate; demanding.
- Strict: Demanding that rules are obeyed completely.
Antonyms
- Luxurious: Extremely comfortable, elegant, or enjoyable, especially in a way that involves great expense.
- Indulgent: Characterized by yielding to one's own or another's wishes or desires.
- Lavish: Sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious.
Related Idioms and Phrases
"A Spartan existence/life": A life lived with great simplicity and self-denial, often by choice or necessity.
- After losing his fortune, he was forced to live a Spartan existence.
"Spartan upbringing": A childhood characterized by strict discipline, hardship, and a focus on resilience.
- His Spartan upbringing prepared him for the challenges of military life.
Adjective
- practicing great self-denial
- Be systematically ascetic...do...something for no other reason than that you would rather not do it- William James
- a desert nomad's austere life
- a spartan diet
- a spartan existence
- unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment
- a parent severe to the pitch of hostility- H.G.Wells
- a hefty six-footer with a rather severe mien
- a strict disciplinarian
- a Spartan upbringing
- resolute in the face of pain or danger or adversity
- spartan courage
- of or relating to or characteristic of Sparta or its people
Noun
- a resident of Sparta