Medievalist: meaning, definitions and examples

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medievalist

 

[ mɛdˈiːvəlɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

historian study

A medievalist is a scholar or expert who specializes in the study of the Middle Ages, which spans roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century. This field often encompasses various disciplines including history, literature, art, and philosophy. Medievalists examine primary sources such as manuscripts, artifacts, and architectural remains to gain insights into the culture and society of the time. Their research can contribute to a broader understanding of historical developments and their lasting impacts on modern society.

Synonyms

academic, historian, scholar

Examples of usage

  • The medievalist published a book on the art of the Gothic period.
  • During the conference, several medievalists presented their latest research on feudalism.
  • As a medievalist, she often leads discussions on chivalry and its cultural significance.

Translations

Translations of the word "medievalist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 medievalista

🇮🇳 मध्यकालीन विद्वान्

🇩🇪 Mittelalterhistoriker

🇮🇩 ahli abad pertengahan

🇺🇦 середньовічний вчений

🇵🇱 mediewista

🇯🇵 中世史家

🇫🇷 médiéviste

🇪🇸 mediavalista

🇹🇷 ortaçağcı

🇰🇷 중세사학자

🇸🇦 عالم القرون الوسطى

🇨🇿 středověký historik

🇸🇰 stredoveký historik

🇨🇳 中世纪历史学家

🇸🇮 srednjeveški zgodovinar

🇮🇸 miðaldarfræðingur

🇰🇿 орта ғасырлар тарихшысы

🇬🇪 საშუალო საუკუნეების მკვლევარი

🇦🇿 orta əsr mütəxəssisi

🇲🇽 medievalista

Etymology

The term 'medievalist' originates from the Latin word 'medium aevum', which translates to 'the middle ages'. The concept emerged as scholars began to focus on this distinct period in Western history during the Renaissance when there was a revival of interest in classical antiquity and a growing awareness of the importance of the Middle Ages. By the 19th century, the study of this era became more formalized, leading to the establishment of medieval studies as a recognized field. Scholars began to specifically identify themselves as medievalists as they sought to explore the complexities of the Middle Ages, including its political structures, cultural developments, and social dynamics. This academic identity has continued to evolve and expand, encompassing interdisciplinary approaches that connect history with literature, philosophy, and art.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,598, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.