medieval
med-EE-vul
/ˌmɛdiˈiːvəl/
Relating to the Middle Ages (roughly 500 to 1500 AD).
In modern usage, it can be used metaphorically to describe something primitive or cruel, though this is often historically inaccurate.
The story behind the word. Coined in the 19th century from the Latin 'medium' (middle) and 'aevum' (age). It was created by Renaissance scholars who saw their own time as a rebirth and the period before it as a mere 'middle' gap between them and the glory of antiquity.
Word relationships
- Middle Ages: The noun form of the adjective medieval.
- Gothic: Refers specifically to a style of architecture and art within the medieval period.
- modern: Refers to the present or recent times.
Commonly confused with
- feudal: Feudal refers to the social/economic system; medieval refers to the time period.
Word family
- medievalist (noun): A scholar who specializes in the Middle Ages.
Collocations
- medieval history
- medieval architecture
- medieval period
Example sentences
- "The town is famous for its well-preserved medieval walls and narrow cobblestone streets." Discussing European architecture.
- "Medieval society was organized around the feudal system of lords and vassals." A description of the social structure of the time.
Memory hook
MEDieval is the MEDium (middle) age. The 'middle' child of history.
When not to use
Avoid using it as a synonym for 'old' if the item isn't actually from the 5th-15th centuries.
Fun facts
- The term 'medieval' wasn't used by people living in that time; they thought they were living in the 'modern' world.
Related words
Explore more words
primeval, rustic, temporal, archaic, metaphysical, anachronism
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