Mediaeval: meaning, definitions and examples

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mediaeval

 

[ ˌmidiˈiːvəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

historical period

Mediaeval refers to the period in European history from roughly the 5th to the late 15th century, commonly known as the Middle Ages. This era is characterized by feudalism, the influence of the Catholic Church, and a lack of centralized government, particularly in the earlier centuries. The term can also be used to describe things related to this period, such as art, literature, and architecture.

Synonyms

Middle Ages, feudal, medieval

Examples of usage

  • The mediaeval architecture of the cathedral is stunning.
  • Many mediaeval manuscripts have been preserved in libraries.
  • Knights were prominent figures in mediaeval society.
  • Mediaeval warfare often involved sieges and battles.

Translations

Translations of the word "mediaeval" in other languages:

🇵🇹 medieval

🇮🇳 मध्यकालीन

🇩🇪 mittelalterlich

🇮🇩 abad pertengahan

🇺🇦 середньовічний

🇵🇱 średniowieczny

🇯🇵 中世の

🇫🇷 médiéval

🇪🇸 medieval

🇹🇷 ortaçağ

🇰🇷 중세의

🇸🇦 وسطى

🇨🇿 středověký

🇸🇰 stredoveký

🇨🇳 中世纪的

🇸🇮 srednjeveški

🇮🇸 miðaldar

🇰🇿 орта ғасыр

🇬🇪 საშუალო საუკუნეების

🇦🇿 orta əsr

🇲🇽 medieval

Word origin

The term 'mediaeval' (or 'medieval') is derived from the Latin 'medium aevum', which means 'the middle age'. It emerged as a description of the period between the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century and the beginning of the Renaissance in the 15th century. The concept of the Middle Ages arose during the Renaissance as a way to contrast the classical antiquity and the rebirth of art and culture that they experienced. The term has since been adopted into various languages, although the exact nuances can vary. In English, it has often been used in historical studies, literature, and art to signify a time marked by certain social, cultural, and political characteristics, such as chivalry, feudalism, and ecclesiastical influence.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,470, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.