areopagus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Historical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “areopagus” mean?
The highest court in ancient Athens, named after the hill of Ares where it met.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The highest court in ancient Athens, named after the hill of Ares where it met.
A prestigious, authoritative council or assembly, especially one concerned with matters of law, justice, or intellectual matters. Figuratively, any high court of judgment or critical opinion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare and formal in both varieties. Historical references in UK English might be slightly more frequent due to classical education traditions.
Connotations
Identical connotations of historical gravitas and high authority.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. Most common in historical, theological, or literary academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “areopagus” in a Sentence
[verb] the Areopagus (e.g., address, convene, reform)the Areopagus [verb] (e.g., the Areopagus ruled, decreed, assembled)the Areopagus of [noun] (e.g., the Areopagus of modern critics)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “areopagus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Areopagite tradition was influential.
- The reform limited Areopagite power.
American English
- Areopagite authority was curbed by the reforms.
- She studied Areopagite jurisprudence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in classical history, political science, literature, and theology (e.g., St. Paul's address to the Areopagus in Acts 17).
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Could be used metaphorically in critical theory or political philosophy to denote a powerful elite group.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “areopagus”
- Misspelling: 'Aeropagus', 'Areopogus', 'Aeropogus'.
- Confusing it with the broader Athenian 'ecclesia' (assembly).
- Using it as a common noun in casual speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare, formal word used almost exclusively in historical, academic, or literary contexts.
Only if you wish to give a very grand, historical, and somewhat solemn connotation to that committee, implying it has supreme authority or acts as a final judge.
In the Acts of the Apostles (Chapter 17), the Apostle Paul delivers a famous sermon to the Areopagus in Athens, using their altar 'to an unknown god' as a starting point to preach about Christianity.
When referring specifically to the historical Athenian court or hill, yes (proper noun). In metaphorical uses, it is often, but not always, lowercased (e.g., 'the literary areopagus').
The highest court in ancient Athens, named after the hill of Ares where it met.
Areopagus is usually formal, literary, historical, academic in register.
Areopagus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌærɪˈɒpəɡəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɛriˈɑpəɡəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a modern Areopagus”
- “a literary Areopagus”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Mars Hill' court: AREO (Ares, god of war) + PAGUS (hill). The Areopagus was the 'Hill of Ares' in Athens where the supreme court met.
Conceptual Metaphor
INSTITUTIONS ARE PHYSICAL PLACES (e.g., 'The Senate is the nation's bedrock'); hence a specific historic place becomes a metaphor for any powerful institution.
Practice
Quiz
In modern figurative use, 'an areopagus' most nearly means: