Classicist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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classicist
[หklรฆsษชsษชst ]
Definition
study of classical antiquity
A classicist is a person who studies or is an expert in classical antiquity, particularly ancient Greek and Roman literature, culture, languages, and history.
Synonyms
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| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| classicist |
A person specializing in the study of ancient Greek and Roman literature, culture, and language.
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| scholar |
A person who studies and has detailed knowledge of a specific subject, especially in the humanities. This term often implies a depth of learning and research.
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| expert |
A person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge or skill in a particular area. This word does not imply a specific setting like 'academic'.
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| academic |
A person who works as a teacher or researcher at a college or university. This term can also refer to anything related to education or scholarship.
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Examples of usage
- A classicist may specialize in the works of Homer or Virgil.
- Many classicists work as professors in universities.
- Her passion for ancient Greek architecture led her to pursue a career as a classicist.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Influence in Education
- Many classical studies programs in universities cover literature, philosophy, and history, impacting Western education for centuries.
- Classicists often promote the study of Latin and Ancient Greek, languages that unlock numerous historical texts and cultures.
Pop Culture
- Classicists have influenced modern cinema; many films draw directly from ancient myths and stories, such as 'Troy' or 'Gladiator'.
- Several contemporary novels and television shows, like 'Game of Thrones', have classicist themes rooted in ancient texts and histories.
Art and Architecture
- Renaissance artists looked back to classical antiquity for inspiration, reviving styles and themes that reflected ancient art's beauty.
- The neoclassical architecture movement of the 18th and 19th centuries was heavily influenced by ancient Greek and Roman buildings, showcasing columns and symmetry.
Cultural Impact
- Classicists argue that studying ancient cultures helps us understand modern society, as many current political and social ideas have roots in ancient philosophies.
- The concept of a 'classical education' derives from classicists emphasizing the importance of foundational knowledge in history, literature, and philosophy.
Origin of 'classicist'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'classicist' comes from 'classic,' which refers to works of the highest quality, and the suffix 'ist,' which denotes a person who practices or is concerned with something.
- Originally, the term was used in 19th-century discussions about literature and aesthetic qualities of ancient works.
The term 'classicist' originated in the early 19th century and is derived from the Latin word 'classicus', meaning 'belonging to the highest class of Roman citizens'. The field of classicism has its roots in the Renaissance period, when interest in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations was revived.
See also: classicism, neoclassicism.