Augustan

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

  1. Characteristic of the period of Emperor Augustus, often used to describe art or architecture that reflects the elegance and grandeur of that time
  2. Pertaining to a dignified or imposing style, particularly in literature or the arts, reminiscent of the cultural achievements during the reign of Augustus
  3. Relating to the values, aesthetics, and cultural flourishes seen in works produced under the patronage of Augustus and his successors

Etymology: The adjective in question traces its origins to the name of the first Roman emperor, Augustus, who ruled from 27 BCE to 14 CE. Augustus was born Gaius Octavius but was posthumously adopted by his great-uncle Julius Caesar and took the name Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. When he became emperor, the Senate awarded him the title "Augustus," meaning "the revered one" or "the illustrious," which marked a new era in Roman history and governance. From this imperial title, the adjective emerged to describe anything related to or characteristic of Augustus himself, his reign, or the period often called the Augustan Age. This era was notable for its significant cultural, political, and artistic achievements, which included the patronage of poets like Virgil and Horace and the consolidation of the Roman Empire's power and administration. The word entered English usage in the late Middle Ages or Renaissance, as classical learning was revived and scholars began to refer to this period and its imperial founder with admiration. It often appears in historical and literary contexts to evoke the grandeur, order, and cultural flourishing associated with Augustus’s rule. Etymologically, the adjective derives from the Latin "Augustus," which itself comes from "augere," meaning "to increase" or "to augment." The suffix "-an" is a common English formation to create adjectives indicating belonging or relation, so the term literally means "pertaining to Augustus." Over time, it has also taken on a more general sense of something majestic or dignified, reflecting the grandeur tied to the emperor’s legacy.

Synonyms: imperial, majesty, dignified, noble, INVALID