aquarian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, astrology
Quick answer
What does “aquarian” mean?
relating to the zodiac sign Aquarius.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
relating to the zodiac sign Aquarius; of or characteristic of an Aquarian (a person born under Aquarius)
1. relating to or resembling the astrological sign Aquarius, often connoting progressive, humanitarian, independent, or unconventional traits. 2. (capitalised) a person born under the sign of Aquarius (approximately Jan 20–Feb 18). 3. (less common) pertaining to water or an aquatic environment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. Slightly more frequent in UK astrology publications.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with New Age, counterculture, or spiritual movements. The 'Aquarian Age' concept is equally recognised.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language; higher frequency in niche astrology/spirituality contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “aquarian” in a Sentence
[be] + Aquarian[have] + an Aquarian + [nature/trait][typical/classic] + AquarianVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aquarian” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Her Aquarian nature made her fascinated by futuristic ideas.
- They discussed the dawning of the Aquarian Age.
American English
- His Aquarian ideals led him to volunteer for humanitarian causes.
- The festival had a definite Aquarian vibe.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; only in cultural studies or history discussing astrology or 1960s-70s counterculture.
Everyday
Low frequency; used when discussing astrology/horoscopes.
Technical
Astrology (technical register within that field).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aquarian”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aquarian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aquarian”
- Misspelling as 'aquarium', 'aquarian' (lowercase when referring to the sign is acceptable but often capitalised). Using it as a general synonym for 'water-related' is outdated/incorrect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring directly to the zodiac sign or a person born under it, it is conventionally capitalised (Aquarian). When used more loosely as an adjective ('aquarian ideals'), lowercase is sometimes used but capitalisation remains common.
Historically and etymologically, yes (from Latin 'aqua'), but this sense is now extremely rare and archaic. In modern English, the term is almost exclusively astrological.
An astrological concept denoting a new historical age characterised by the traits of Aquarius (e.g., collaboration, innovation, humanitarianism). It was popularised in the musical 'Hair' (1967).
Yes. 'An Aquarian' (capitalised) is a noun meaning a person born under the sign of Aquarius (e.g., 'She is an Aquarian').
relating to the zodiac sign Aquarius.
Aquarian is usually formal, literary, astrology in register.
Aquarian: in British English it is pronounced /əˈkwɛə.ri.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈkwer.i.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Age of Aquarius”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Aqua' (water) + 'rian' (person). An Aquarian is the 'water-bearer' of the zodiac.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS (She is such an Aquarian = she has traits associated with Aquarius).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'aquarian' MOST appropriately used?