artaxerxes i: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1-C2 (Very Low)
UK/ˌɑːtəˈzɜːksiːz ðə ˈfɜːst/US/ˌɑːrtəˈzɜːrksiːz ðə ˈfɜːrst/

Formal; restricted to historical, biblical, academic, or classical contexts.

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Quick answer

What does “artaxerxes i” mean?

The name of a specific Persian king, also known as Artaxerxes I Longimanus, who ruled the Achaemenid Empire from 465–424 BC.

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The name of a specific Persian king, also known as Artaxerxes I Longimanus, who ruled the Achaemenid Empire from 465–424 BC.

Primarily a historical proper noun referring to the fifth King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire, son of Xerxes I. In extended biblical or historical discourse, can serve as a temporal marker for the period of his reign (e.g., 'in the time of Artaxerxes').

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in usage. Pronunciation and spelling are identical. Both regions use the same Latinate form of the name.

Connotations

Identical connotations of antiquity, ancient history, and scholarship in both varieties.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in all contexts. Slightly higher potential frequency in UK English due to traditional classical education history, but negligible.

Grammar

How to Use “artaxerxes i” in a Sentence

[Subject: Historical Text/Author] mentions Artaxerxes I.Artaxerxes I [verb: ruled/reigned/authorised/decreed].

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
King Artaxerxes IArtaxerxes I Longimanusreign of Artaxerxes Iduring Artaxerxes I
medium
decree of Artaxerxesunder Artaxerxes Ithe Persian king Artaxerxes I
weak
Persian EmpireAchaemenidfifth century BCsuccessor of Xerxes

Examples

Examples of “artaxerxes i” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • Artaxerxean policies (highly archaic/inventive)

American English

  • Artaxerxean period (highly archaic/inventive)

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Used in historical, archaeological, biblical, and classical studies papers and texts as a proper noun.

Everyday

Extremely rare, only in specific discussions of ancient history.

Technical

Used as a precise identifier in historiography, chronology, and related scholarly works.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “artaxerxes i”

Strong

The fifth Achaemenid King of Kings

Neutral

Artaxerxes Longimanus

Weak

The Persian monarchThe king

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “artaxerxes i”

  • Misspelling as 'Artaxerxes' (missing the 'r').
  • Incorrect pronunciation with /ks/ for the 'x'.
  • Confusing Artaxerxes I with Artaxerxes II or III.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is a very low-frequency proper noun used only in specific historical or religious contexts.

It is pronounced as a /z/ sound, like the 'z' in 'zero'. The British and American pronunciations differ mainly in the 'r' in 'Art-' and the vowel in 'first'.

'Longimanus' is a Latin epithet meaning 'long-handed', likely referring to his physical reach or, metaphorically, his far-reaching power. It distinguishes him from other kings named Artaxerxes.

Absolutely not. It is a specialist historical term. Fluency does not require knowledge of specific ancient proper nouns.

The name of a specific Persian king, also known as Artaxerxes I Longimanus, who ruled the Achaemenid Empire from 465–424 BC.

Artaxerxes i is usually formal; restricted to historical, biblical, academic, or classical contexts. in register.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

ART (he patronised art?) + AXE (a tool for ruling?) + XERXES (his father's name) + I (the first). Think: 'Art, an axe, and Xerxes' first son.'

Conceptual Metaphor

Not applicable for proper nouns of this type.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The biblical figure Nehemiah served as cupbearer to .
Multiple Choice

Artaxerxes I was a king of which empire?