almagest: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Historical, academic (history of science, classical studies), literary. Extremely formal and learned.
Quick answer
What does “almagest” mean?
A comprehensive treatise on astronomy, most famously the 2nd-century work by Ptolemy which served as the authoritative text for over a thousand years.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A comprehensive treatise on astronomy, most famously the 2nd-century work by Ptolemy which served as the authoritative text for over a thousand years.
By extension, any encyclopedic or foundational treatise on a complex subject, particularly in the sciences. Used metaphorically to describe a work of immense authority or scope in any field.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and specialized in both variants.
Connotations
Evokes classical scholarship, the history of ideas, and pre-Copernican cosmology. Connotes immense authority and foundational importance.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to highly specialized academic or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “almagest” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] + 's' + Almagestan almagest + of + [field/subject]to refer to + [work] + as + an almagestVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “almagest” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The professor's almagestic volume defined the field for decades.
American English
- He aimed for an almagestic scope in his writing, covering every possible angle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in history of science, classics, and intellectual history to refer to Ptolemy's work or, metaphorically, to foundational texts. Example: 'Copernicus sought to correct the errors of the Almagest.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific to the history of astronomy. Can be used in titles of modern editions or translations.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “almagest”
- Pronouncing the 'g' as hard /g/ (it is /dʒ/).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'book'.
- Not capitalizing when referring specifically to Ptolemy's work.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring specifically to Ptolemy's 2nd-century work, it is conventionally capitalized. When used metaphorically for other authoritative treatises, it may be lowercased.
It comes into English via Medieval Latin 'Almagestum', from Arabic 'al-majisṭī', which in turn derived from the Greek 'megistē' meaning 'greatest (treatise)'.
No, it is exclusively a noun. The related adjective 'almagestic' is occasionally coined for literary effect.
Primarily in the history of science, the history of astronomy, classical studies, and medieval studies. It may appear in literary or historical essays as a metaphor.
A comprehensive treatise on astronomy, most famously the 2nd-century work by Ptolemy which served as the authoritative text for over a thousand years.
Almagest is usually historical, academic (history of science, classical studies), literary. extremely formal and learned. in register.
Almagest: in British English it is pronounced /ˈalmədʒɛst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈælməˌdʒɛst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to be] the Almagest of [field]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ALL MAJESTIC' works of science start with an 'Almagest'. Ptolemy's ALL-MAJESTIC book ruled astronomy.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN AUTHORITATIVE TEXT IS A FOUNDATION STONE / A LANDMARK.
Practice
Quiz
In modern metaphorical use, what does calling a book 'an almagest' imply?