ammianus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Extremely Rare / Technical
UK/ˌæmiˈeɪnəs/US/ˌæmiˈeɪnəs/

Academic, Historical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “ammianus” mean?

A proper noun, specifically the name Ammianus Marcellinus, a 4th-century Roman soldier and historian.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A proper noun, specifically the name Ammianus Marcellinus, a 4th-century Roman soldier and historian.

Pertaining to the works, historical accounts, or period described by the historian Ammianus Marcellinus.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences. Usage is identical and confined to academic/historical contexts in both varieties.

Connotations

Conveys scholarly or classical expertise.

Frequency

Virtually never encountered outside university Classics departments or specialised historical texts.

Grammar

How to Use “ammianus” in a Sentence

Ammianus + verb of reporting (e.g., reports, describes, notes, recounts)Reference + from Ammianus

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
Ammianus Marcellinusthe historian Ammianus
medium
according to Ammianusin Ammianus's *Res Gestae*
weak
the account of Ammianusas Ammianus records

Examples

Examples of “ammianus” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The Ammianan account is crucial for the period.
  • We studied the Ammianan perspective.

American English

  • The Ammian account is a key source.
  • We analyzed the Ammian perspective.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not applicable.

Academic

Used in Classics, Ancient History, and Late Antiquity studies to cite a primary historical source.

Everyday

Never used.

Technical

Used as a proper name for a specific historical source.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “ammianus”

Strong

Ammianus Marcellinus

Neutral

the historianthe chronicler

Weak

the Roman historianthe late Roman source

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “ammianus”

modern historiancontemporary source

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “ammianus”

  • Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'an ammianus' – incorrect).
  • Misspelling (e.g., Amianus, Ammianous).
  • Mispronouncing with stress on the first syllable (AM-ee-an-us).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It is the anglicised form of a Latin proper name, used in English only in historical/academic contexts.

No. It is a highly specialised term unknown to the general public.

The *Res Gestae* (sometimes called *Rerum Gestarum Libri*), a history of the Roman Empire from 96 to 378 AD.

Typically as 'Ammianus Marcellinus', followed by the book, chapter, and section number of his *Res Gestae* (e.g., Amm. 31.4.6).

A proper noun, specifically the name Ammianus Marcellinus, a 4th-century Roman soldier and historian.

Ammianus is usually academic, historical in register.

Ammianus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæmiˈeɪnəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæmiˈeɪnəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a Roman soldier named Ian, writing a manuscript (manu-script). Amm-IAN-us Manuscript.

Conceptual Metaphor

N/A (Proper noun)

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The late Roman historian Marcellinus is a major source for the 4th century.
Multiple Choice

In which field is the name 'Ammianus' primarily used?