Patrician Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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patrician

[pəˈtrɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

ancient Rome

A member of the aristocracy, specifically a nobleman or noblewoman.

Synonyms

aristocrat, lady, lord, noble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
patrician	Usually refers to a member of the ruling class in ancient Rome, or someone from an old, established, and respected family. It's often used in historical or formal contexts. The patrician families of Rome controlled the political power. He had a patrician bearing that commanded respect.
aristocrat	Refers to a member of the aristocracy, someone who belongs to the highest social class, typically by birth. Common in historical, formal, or socio-political discussions. The young aristocrat spent his summers at the family estate. She married into a family of European aristocrats.
noble	Describes someone belonging to the class with hereditary or honorary titles, who usually has high social or political status. Can be used in historical and formal contexts. The noble families gathered for the annual banquet. He acts with a noble sense of duty.
lord	Refers to a man of high rank in nobility, or someone who owns a lot of land. It’s used in historical or formal contexts, and can sometimes be used in religious contexts to refer to God. The lord of the manor was responsible for the welfare of his tenants. He was addressed as 'my lord' during the ceremony.
lady	Often used to address or refer to a woman with good manners, or someone who has a title in nobility. It can also be a respectful way to refer to any woman. Please follow me, my lady. She behaved like a true lady at the event.

Examples of usage

The patricians held significant power and influence in ancient Rome.
Only patricians were allowed to hold certain political offices in the Roman Republic.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

A person of high social status or wealth, often associated with refined tastes and manners.

Synonyms

aristocratic, elegant, refined, sophisticated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
patrician	This word is suitable for describing someone or something associated with the upper class, especially in historical or formal contexts. She came from a patrician family with a long history of public service
aristocratic	Use this word to refer to someone belonging to the aristocracy, typically emphasizing noble lineage and tradition. His aristocratic manners set him apart at the gathering
elegant	This word fits well when describing something or someone that is tasteful and graceful, often in appearance or style. The elegant design of the room impressed all the guests
refined	Use this word to describe someone or something that is polished and cultured, often indicating good education and sophisticated upbringing. She has a refined taste in art and music
sophisticated	This word is appropriate for describing someone or something that is worldly and knowledgeable, often with an air of complexity and modernity. He gave a sophisticated analysis of the economic trends

Examples of usage

She was considered a patrician in the community due to her elegant demeanor and expensive possessions.
The patricians of the city were known for their exclusive social gatherings and luxurious lifestyles.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term originates from ancient Rome, where patricians were the elite families who held political power and social status.
In the early Republic, patricians were the only ones who could hold certain political offices, creating a divide between them and the common people, known as plebeians.
Over time, the influence of patricians changed, especially during the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire, where emperors held most of the power.

Political Influence

Patricians played a key role in shaping the laws and governance of Rome, using their wealth to influence elections and decisions.
The conflicts between patricians and plebeians led to important social reforms, including the creation of the Tribune of the Plebs, who represented the common people.
Even after the fall of the Roman Empire, the concept of patricians influenced the development of aristocratic classes in medieval Europe.

Literature

In literature, patricians have often been depicted as symbols of authority, wealth, and sometimes corruption, highlighting their complex roles in society.
Authors like Cicero and Livy discussed the moral and ethical responsibilities of patricians in relation to the common people.
In Shakespeare's works, characters from noble backgrounds often face dilemmas that reflect the clash between their responsibilities and their desires.

Contemporary Usage

Today, 'patrician' can describe someone who is polished, refined, and belonging to a high social class, although it’s less about political power.
The term is also used in discussions of social hierarchy, where modern equivalents of patricians might be influential business leaders or cultural elites.
In certain contexts, 'patrician' can carry connotations of elitism, particularly when discussing access to privilege and opportunity.

Cultural Perception

In popular culture, patricians are often portrayed in films and literature as antagonists, reinforcing stereotypes of the out-of-touch wealthy.
Despite often being viewed negatively, some narratives romanticize the lives of patricians, emphasizing their historical importance and lifestyle.
Modern adaptations of ancient Roman themes frequently explore the dynamics between patricians and plebeians to reflect current social issues.

Origin of 'patrician'

The term 'patrician' originated in ancient Rome, where it referred to the noble families who held significant power and influence. These families were considered the aristocracy of Roman society, with privileges and status above the common citizens. Over time, the term expanded to include individuals of high social status or wealth, often associated with refined tastes and manners. Today, 'patrician' is used to describe someone with an aristocratic or elegant demeanor.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,779, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20776 telephony
20777 contaminating
20778 doubtfully
20779 patrician
20780 undisclosed
20781 conciliate
20782 euthanasia
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