Medieval: meaning, definitions and examples

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medieval

[ˌmɛdɪˈiːv(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

history

Relating to the Middle Ages, the period in European history from about the 5th century to the 15th century.

Synonyms

Middle Ages, feudal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
medieval	Medieval is generally used to describe the period in European history from the 5th to the late 15th century. It can be used in historical, cultural, or architectural contexts. The medieval castle stood atop the hill, overlooking the valley. Medieval knights were known for their chivalry and combat skills.
feudal	Feudal refers specifically to the social, economic, and political systems that existed during the Middle Ages, particularly the hierarchy between lords and vassals. The feudal system was based on the exchange of land for military service. Feudal lords held significant power over their vassals and peasants.
Middle Ages	Middle Ages is a neutral term for the period in European history from roughly the 5th to the late 15th century, more commonly used in general historical contexts. The Middle Ages were marked by numerous conflicts and the rise of kingdoms. Art and literature from the Middle Ages often featured religious themes.

Word

Description / Examples

medieval

Medieval is generally used to describe the period in European history from the 5th to the late 15th century. It can be used in historical, cultural, or architectural contexts.

The medieval castle stood atop the hill, overlooking the valley.
Medieval knights were known for their chivalry and combat skills.

feudal

Feudal refers specifically to the social, economic, and political systems that existed during the Middle Ages, particularly the hierarchy between lords and vassals.

The feudal system was based on the exchange of land for military service.
Feudal lords held significant power over their vassals and peasants.

Middle Ages

Middle Ages is a neutral term for the period in European history from roughly the 5th to the late 15th century, more commonly used in general historical contexts.

The Middle Ages were marked by numerous conflicts and the rise of kingdoms.
Art and literature from the Middle Ages often featured religious themes.

Examples of usage

The medieval period saw the rise of feudalism in Europe.
Castles and knights are often associated with the medieval era.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

art

Characteristic of or relating to the style of architecture, art, and culture of the Middle Ages.

Synonyms

Gothic, old-fashioned.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
medieval	Refers to the Middle Ages, a historical period in Europe from the 5th to the late 15th century. It is often used to describe things related to that era, like architecture, literature, or societal systems. The castle has a classic medieval design. She is studying medieval literature for her history course.
Gothic	Often used in architecture and art to describe a style that flourished in Europe during the late medieval period, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. It can also describe a genre of literature that includes elements of horror, death, and romance. The cathedral's Gothic spires are breathtaking. She loves reading Gothic novels that are full of mystery and suspense.
old-fashioned	Used to describe something that is out of date or not modern. It might refer to objects, practices, or styles that were common in the past but are rare or considered quaint today. This term can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting stubbornness or resistance to change. He has an old-fashioned way of dressing. Her views on marriage are quite old-fashioned.

Word

Description / Examples

medieval

Refers to the Middle Ages, a historical period in Europe from the 5th to the late 15th century. It is often used to describe things related to that era, like architecture, literature, or societal systems.

The castle has a classic medieval design.
She is studying medieval literature for her history course.

Gothic

Often used in architecture and art to describe a style that flourished in Europe during the late medieval period, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. It can also describe a genre of literature that includes elements of horror, death, and romance.

The cathedral's Gothic spires are breathtaking.
She loves reading Gothic novels that are full of mystery and suspense.

old-fashioned

Used to describe something that is out of date or not modern. It might refer to objects, practices, or styles that were common in the past but are rare or considered quaint today. This term can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting stubbornness or resistance to change.

He has an old-fashioned way of dressing.
Her views on marriage are quite old-fashioned.

Examples of usage

The cathedral's medieval architecture is a popular tourist attraction.
Medieval tapestries are known for their intricate designs.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'medieval' comes from the Latin 'medium aevum,' which means 'the middle ages.'
This period is often divided into three parts: the Early Middle Ages, High Middle Ages, and Late Middle Ages.
Feudalism, a system of land ownership and duties, became the social structure during this time.

Art and Literature

Gothic architecture flourished during this time, characterized by grand cathedrals with pointed arches and flying buttresses.
Chansons de geste, or epic poems, celebrated heroic deeds and were popular forms of storytelling in medieval culture.
Illuminated manuscripts, beautifully handwritten books decorated with gold and vibrant colors, were crafted by monks.

Science and Medicine

Medieval scholars preserved and translated ancient texts, which helped ignite the Renaissance later on.
The Black Death significantly impacted scholarship and medicine, leading to advancements in understanding diseases.
Universities began to emerge in this period, influencing modern education structures.

Pop Culture

Modern fantasy literature, like 'The Lord of the Rings,' draws heavily from medieval themes and settings.
Video games such as 'Dark Souls' and 'The Witcher' feature medieval-inspired worlds and narratives.
Many films and series portray knights and castles as romanticized representations of this historical era.

Society and Culture

Chivalry, a code of conduct for knights, emphasized virtues like bravery, honor, and respect for women.
Major events like the Crusades and the Hundred Years' War shaped the political landscape and social structure.
The role of women varied widely during the medieval era, ranging from nobility to peasantry, affecting their rights and status.

Translations

Translations of the word "medieval" in other languages:

🇵🇹 medieval

🇮🇳 मध्ययुगीन

🇩🇪 mittelalterlich

🇮🇩 zaman pertengahan

🇺🇦 середньовічний

🇵🇱 średniowieczny

🇯🇵 中世の

🇫🇷 médiéval

🇪🇸 medieval

🇹🇷 ortaçağ

🇰🇷 중세의

🇸🇦 قروسطي

🇨🇿 středověký

🇸🇰 stredoveký

🇨🇳 中世纪的

🇸🇮 srednjeveški

🇮🇸 miðaldra

🇰🇿 ортағасырлық

🇬🇪 საშუალო საუკუნეების

🇦🇿 orta əsr

🇲🇽 medieval

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,359 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5356 relaxation
5357 hers
5358 subordinate
5359 medieval
5360 scarce
5361 demanding
5362 keys
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