syracuse
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Proper noun:
- A major ancient Greek city in southeastern Sicily: A historically significant city-state founded by Greek colonists from Corinth in the 8th century BC, known for its power, wealth, and cultural achievements.
- The site of two famous ancient sieges: The location of pivotal military conflicts, including the Athenian siege (415-413 BC) and the Roman siege (214-212 BC).
- A city in central New York, USA: A modern industrial city in the state of New York.
Usage Examples
- Proper noun (Ancient City):
- Archimedes, the great mathematician, lived and died in Syracuse during the Roman siege.
- The history of ancient Syracuse is a key chapter in the story of Greek colonization.
- Proper noun (Modern City):
- Syracuse, New York, is known for its university and snowy winters.
- She moved from Boston to Syracuse for her new job.
Advanced Usage
- "The Siege of Syracuse": Specifically refers to either the failed Athenian expedition during the Peloponnesian War or the successful Roman conquest during the Second Punic War.
- The Siege of Syracuse was a disastrous defeat for the Athenian navy.
- Used metonymically to refer to the ancient city-state's power or its eventual fall.
- The fate of Syracuse signaled the decline of Greek independence in the western Mediterranean.
Variants and Related Words
- Syracusan (adjective): Of or relating to the city of Syracuse.
- Syracusan coinage was famous in the ancient world.
- Syracusan (noun): A native or inhabitant of Syracuse.
- The Syracusans defended their city fiercely against the Athenians.
Different Meanings
- The word refers distinctly to two separate geographical entities:
- The ancient and modern Italian city on the island of Sicily.
- The modern American city in New York State.
- Context (historical vs. modern, or geographical cues) always clarifies which city is meant.
Synonyms
- For the ancient city: Siracusa (its modern Italian name).
- For the New York city: None as a direct synonym, but can be described as a city in Upstate New York.
Related Phrases and Contexts
- "The Tyrant of Syracuse": Often refers to historical rulers like Dionysius I or Hiero II.
- Dionysius was a famous tyrant of Syracuse.
- "Syracuse University": A major private research university located in Syracuse, New York.
- He earned his degree from Syracuse University.
Noun
- the Athenian siege of Syracuse (415-413 BC) was eventually won by Syracuse
- the Roman siege of Syracuse (214-212 BC) was eventually won by the Romans who sacked the city (killing Archimedes)
- a city in southeastern Sicily that was founded by Corinthians in the 8th century BC
- a city in central New York