Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A city in Florida, USA: A coastal resort city in northeastern Florida, historically recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States.
   • A saint and theologian: A Christian saint, theologian, and philosopher who was an early Church Father. He is noted for his influential writings on Christian doctrine, grace, and original sin following his conversion.

Usage Examples

• As a place name:
  • We visited the historic fort in St. Augustine.
  • St. Augustine is famous for its Spanish colonial architecture.
• As a person's name:
  • The writings of St. Augustine have profoundly influenced Western Christianity.
  • St. Augustine's "Confessions" is a seminal work of autobiography.

Advanced Usage

• "Augustinian": Relating to St. Augustine or his doctrines, or to a religious order following his rule.
  • He studied Augustinian theology.
• "City of St. Augustine": The full official name of the Florida city, often used in formal contexts.
  • The City of St. Augustine maintains many historic landmarks.

Variants and Related Words

• Augustine of Hippo: The full title used to specify the saint, referencing his bishopric.
• St. Augustine's: A possessive form often used in the names of churches, schools, or other institutions.
  • St. Augustine's University is located in North Carolina.

Synonyms

• For the city: The Ancient City, Oldest City (common nicknames).
• For the saint: Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of Grace (a title in Christian tradition).

Related Phrases

• "Augustinian tradition": The body of theological thought derived from St. Augustine's works.
• "St. Augustine grass": A common variety of turfgrass, named after the Florida city.

Noun

1. a resort city in northeastern Florida; the oldest city in the United States
2. (Roman Catholic Church) one of the great Fathers of the early Christian church; after a dramatic conversion to Christianity he became bishop of Hippo Regius in North Africa; St. Augustine emphasized man's need for grace (354-430)