Byzantine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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Byzantine

[ˈbɪz.ən.taɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

history

Of or relating to the Byzantine Empire, Byzantium, or the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Synonyms

eastern, orthodox.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Byzantine	Describes something related to the Byzantine Empire or its culture, art, and history. The museum has a remarkable collection of Byzantine artifacts. Byzantine architecture is characterized by its elaborate mosaics and domes.
eastern	Used to describe something related to the geographic or cultural regions of the East. This can refer to Eastern countries, traditions, or philosophies. She specializes in Eastern European history. Eastern philosophies like Buddhism have become increasingly popular in the West.
orthodox	Usually employed in a religious context to describe those who adhere to traditional beliefs and practices of a religion, particularly Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Can be neutral or positive in connotation. He is a devout member of the Greek Orthodox Church. Orthodox Easter is celebrated with special ceremonies and traditions.

Word

Description / Examples

Byzantine

Describes something related to the Byzantine Empire or its culture, art, and history.

The museum has a remarkable collection of Byzantine artifacts.
Byzantine architecture is characterized by its elaborate mosaics and domes.

eastern

Used to describe something related to the geographic or cultural regions of the East. This can refer to Eastern countries, traditions, or philosophies.

She specializes in Eastern European history.
Eastern philosophies like Buddhism have become increasingly popular in the West.

orthodox

Usually employed in a religious context to describe those who adhere to traditional beliefs and practices of a religion, particularly Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Can be neutral or positive in connotation.

He is a devout member of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Orthodox Easter is celebrated with special ceremonies and traditions.

Examples of usage

The Byzantine architecture of the Hagia Sophia is renowned for its intricate mosaics.
The Byzantine Emperor Justinian I is famous for his codification of Roman law.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

history

A person who is devious, crafty, or unscrupulous.

Synonyms

cunning, scheming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Byzantine	When capitalized, 'Byzantine' specifically relates to the Byzantine Empire or its culture, art, and architecture. The museum's exhibit included several Byzantine mosaics
cunning	Use 'cunning' to describe someone who is skilled at achieving their goals through clever and often deceptive means. This word can have a negative connotation. The hero had to outsmart the cunning villain to save the town
scheming	Use 'scheming' to describe someone who is planning secret or dishonest activities, usually for personal gain. This word has a strongly negative connotation. The scheming politician manipulated events behind the scenes to gain more power

Word

Description / Examples

Byzantine

When capitalized, 'Byzantine' specifically relates to the Byzantine Empire or its culture, art, and architecture.

The museum's exhibit included several Byzantine mosaics

cunning

Use 'cunning' to describe someone who is skilled at achieving their goals through clever and often deceptive means. This word can have a negative connotation.

The hero had to outsmart the cunning villain to save the town

scheming

Use 'scheming' to describe someone who is planning secret or dishonest activities, usually for personal gain. This word has a strongly negative connotation.

The scheming politician manipulated events behind the scenes to gain more power

Examples of usage

Politicians are often accused of being Byzantines, always scheming behind the scenes.
She saw through his Byzantine tactics and refused to be manipulated.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'Byzantine'

The term 'Byzantine' originally referred to the ancient Greek city of Byzantium, which later became Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). The Byzantine Empire was the eastern half of the Roman Empire and lasted from the 4th century AD to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The Byzantine Empire was known for its rich cultural heritage, including art, architecture, and literature. Over time, the term 'Byzantine' came to also describe complex, intricate, and secretive political maneuvers or behaviors.