Barbarian: meaning, definitions and examples

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barbarian

 

[ bษ‘หหˆbษ›หrษชษ™n ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

ancient history

A barbarian is a member of a community or tribe outside of the civilization, often characterized by their lack of culture, customs, and manners.

Synonyms

primitive, savage, uncivilized

Examples of usage

  • During the Roman Empire, the barbarians from the north invaded the territories.
  • The ancient Greeks considered anyone who didn't speak Greek a barbarian.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative

A person who is perceived as uncivilized, wild, or brutal in behavior or appearance.

Synonyms

brute, savage, thug

Examples of usage

  • He was a barbarian on the soccer field, aggressive and ruthless.
  • She was often called a barbarian due to her unconventional lifestyle.
Context #3 | Adjective

archaic

Relating to or characteristic of a barbarian, especially in cultural and social aspects.

Synonyms

primitive, savage, uncivilized

Examples of usage

  • The barbarian tribes had their own unique traditions and rituals.
  • The barbarian language was difficult for outsiders to understand.

Translations

Translations of the word "barbarian" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bรกrbaro

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคฐเฅเคฌเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Barbar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ barbar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะฐั€ะฒะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ barbarzyล„ca

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้‡Ž่›ฎไบบ (yabanjin)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท barbare

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ bรกrbaro

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท barbar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•ผ๋งŒ์ธ (yamanin)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุฑุจุฑูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ barbar

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ barbar

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้‡Ž่›ฎไบบ (yฤ›mรกnrรฉn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ barbar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ barbari

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐะฑะฐะนั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒแƒ แƒ‘แƒแƒ แƒแƒกแƒ˜ (barbarosi)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ barbar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ bรกrbaro

Etymology

The term 'barbarian' originated in ancient Greece, where it was used to refer to people who did not speak Greek and therefore were perceived as making unintelligible sounds like 'bar bar.' The Greeks considered themselves the epitome of civilization, and anyone outside their culture was labeled a barbarian. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of uncivilized or wild individuals. The concept of the barbarian has been prevalent in historical accounts of clashes between civilizations, such as the Roman encounters with Germanic tribes. Today, the term is often used figuratively to describe someone who is perceived as rough or lacking in refinement.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,276, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.