aquarius: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1
UK/əˈkweə.ri.əs/US/əˈkwer.i.əs/

Formal, Technical (Astrology/Astronomy), Informal (Horoscopes)

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Quick answer

What does “aquarius” mean?

The eleventh sign of the zodiac, represented by the Water Bearer.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The eleventh sign of the zodiac, represented by the Water Bearer.

A person born between approximately January 20 and February 18; also refers to the constellation of the same name. In astrology, it is associated with traits like independence, humanitarianism, and innovation.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.

Connotations

Identical connotations related to astrology and personality traits.

Frequency

Equal frequency in both varieties, tied to the popularity of astrology.

Grammar

How to Use “aquarius” in a Sentence

[Proper Noun] (as subject)a/an [Adjective] Aquarius

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
born under Aquariusthe sign of Aquariusan Aquarius moon
medium
typical AquariusAquarius seasonAquarius energy
weak
Aquarius friendAquarius traitsAquarius horoscope

Examples

Examples of “aquarius” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • Her Aquarius nature makes her very forward-thinking.

American English

  • He has a very Aquarius approach to problem-solving.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Used in astronomy (constellation) or cultural studies discussing astrology.

Everyday

Used in the context of horoscopes, birthdays, and personality discussions.

Technical

Precise term in astronomy for the constellation and in astrology for the zodiacal sign.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “aquarius”

Weak

air signzodiac sign

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “aquarius”

Leo (opposite sign in zodiac)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “aquarius”

  • Using lowercase ('aquarius') when referring to the sign.
  • Misspelling as 'aquarious' or 'aquaris'.
  • Confusing it with 'aquatic'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, when referring to the astrological sign or constellation, it is a proper noun and should be capitalized.

Aquarius is an Air sign, despite its symbol being the Water Bearer.

Informally, yes (e.g., 'an Aquarius perspective'), but this is a non-standard, metaphorical extension from astrology and is not found in formal writing.

In the zodiac wheel, Leo is considered the opposite sign to Aquarius.

The eleventh sign of the zodiac, represented by the Water Bearer.

Aquarius is usually formal, technical (astrology/astronomy), informal (horoscopes) in register.

Aquarius: in British English it is pronounced /əˈkweə.ri.əs/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈkwer.i.əs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'aqua' (water) + 'arius' (like 'arius' in 'aquarium'). An Aquarius is the 'Water Bearer'.

Conceptual Metaphor

HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS ARE ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS (e.g., 'He's such an Aquarius' meaning he is independent and unconventional).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Her innovative and humanitarian outlook is very typical of an .
Multiple Choice

In which field would the term 'Aquarius' be used in its most technical sense?