Augustan is a term that has been used for centuries to describe a particular period of time in ancient Rome, as well as a style of literature that emerged during that era. The term has also been used more broadly to describe anything that is characterized by elegance, refinement, and a sense of classical beauty.
Definitions
The term Augustan can be defined in a number of different ways, depending on the context in which it is being used. Some of the most common definitions include:
- Relating to the period of Roman history that began with the reign of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE and ended with the death of the last of the Julio-Claudian emperors, Nero, in 68 CE.
- Characterized by a sense of classical beauty, refinement, and elegance.
- Referring to a style of literature that emerged during the Augustan period in Rome, characterized by a focus on reason, clarity, and balance.
Origin
The term Augustan derives from the name of the first Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar. Augustus was known for his patronage of the arts, and his reign is often seen as a time of great cultural achievement in Rome. The term Augustan was first used in the 18th century by English writers who were looking back to this period as a model of classical beauty and refinement.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of Augustan can vary slightly depending on the dictionary you consult. Here are a few examples:
- Merriam-Webster: “of or relating to the period of Roman history from about 27 B.C. to about 14 A.D. when Augustus Caesar was the first emperor of Rome; of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the literature, art, or culture of the Augustan period or of later periods (such as the 18th century) modeled on it”.
- Oxford English Dictionary: “relating to or characteristic of the Roman emperor Augustus or his reign; of or relating to the period of Roman history during which Augustus reigned; (more generally) of or relating to a period or style characterized by classical elegance, refinement, or restraint”.
- Dictionary.com: “of or relating to the period, 27 b.c. to a.d. 14, in which Augustus was the first Roman emperor, characterized by an emphasis on the arts, literature, and education; of or relating to the neoclassical period in English literature, 1660–1745, characterized by a revival of classical forms and values”.
Associations
The term Augustan is often associated with a sense of classical beauty, elegance, and refinement. It is also associated with the reign of Augustus Caesar, which is seen as a time of great cultural achievement in Rome. In literature, the Augustan period is associated with a focus on reason, clarity, and balance, as well as a rejection of the excesses of earlier styles such as the Baroque.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for Augustan include classical, refined, elegant, restrained, neoclassical, and balanced.
Antonyms
Antonyms for Augustan might include vulgar, excessive, gaudy, overwrought, and chaotic.
The same root words
The term Augustan is derived from the name of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar. Other words that share this root include august, which means majestic or venerable, and augustine, which can refer to the theologian Saint Augustine or to his writings.
Example Sentences
- The Augustan period in Rome was marked by a focus on reason, clarity, and balance in literature and the arts.
- The neoclassical style of the 18th century was heavily influenced by the Augustan period in Rome.
- The architecture of the building was inspired by the Augustan style, with its emphasis on classical symmetry and proportion.
- The poet Alexander Pope is often associated with the Augustan style of literature, with its emphasis on clarity and balance.
- The Augustan period in Rome was a time of great cultural achievement, with many important works of literature, art, and architecture still celebrated today.