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carthaginian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low (C2 Level / Specialised Historical Term)
UK/ˌkɑːθəˈdʒɪnɪən/US/ˌkɑːrθəˈdʒɪniən/

Formal, Academic, Historical

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Quick answer

What does “carthaginian” mean?

Relating to the ancient city of Carthage, its people, its empire, or its culture.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Relating to the ancient city of Carthage, its people, its empire, or its culture.

May be used to describe something perceived as treacherously cunning or ruthlessly competitive, alluding to the phrase "Carthaginian peace" and the historical reputation of Hannibal.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly higher frequency in British English due to traditional classical education emphasis.

Connotations

Identical. Evokes classical history, the Punic Wars, and Hannibal.

Frequency

Very low in both varieties, confined to historical, academic, or highly literary contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “carthaginian” in a Sentence

[Carthaginian] + noun (e.g., Carthaginian general)of + [Carthaginian] + origin

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
Carthaginian EmpireCarthaginian generalCarthaginian warsCarthaginian peaceCarthaginian navy
medium
Carthaginian cultureCarthaginian armyCarthaginian territoryCarthaginian origin
weak
Carthaginian leaderCarthaginian ruinsCarthaginian heritage

Examples

Examples of “carthaginian” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The Carthaginian general Hannibal famously crossed the Alps with elephants.
  • Archaeologists uncovered a Carthaginian burial site near the coast.

American English

  • Carthaginian merchants dominated trade in the western Mediterranean.
  • The treaty's terms were denounced as a Carthaginian peace.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used, except in metaphorical literary allusion to ruthless competition.

Academic

Standard term in History, Classics, and Archaeology.

Everyday

Extremely rare.

Technical

Used in historical and archaeological descriptions.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “carthaginian”

Neutral

Punic

Weak

ancient North AfricanTunisian (in ancient context)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “carthaginian”

Roman (in historical context)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “carthaginian”

  • Using lowercase 'c' (should be capitalised).
  • Confusing it with 'Carthusian' (related to a monastic order).
  • Using it as a common adjective for modern Tunisia.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Overwhelmingly yes. Its primary use is historical. Modern metaphorical use (e.g., 'Carthaginian business practices') is very rare and literary.

They are largely synonymous. 'Punic' comes from the Latin 'Punicus' (meaning Phoenician/Carthaginian) and is especially used for the wars (Punic Wars) and language. 'Carthaginian' is the more general English adjective.

Yes, always. It is a proper adjective derived from the proper noun 'Carthage'.

No. It refers specifically to the ancient civilisation centred on Carthage. The modern demonym is 'Tunisian'.

Relating to the ancient city of Carthage, its people, its empire, or its culture.

Carthaginian is usually formal, academic, historical in register.

Carthaginian: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːθəˈdʒɪnɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːrθəˈdʒɪniən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “Carthaginian peace (an extremely harsh peace treaty designed to cripple the defeated side permanently)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a CART loaded with HAGGIS (sounds like Carthage) being driven by an ANCIANt (sounds like ancient) warrior. Carthaginian = from ancient Carthage.

Conceptual Metaphor

THE PAST IS A FOREIGN COUNTRY. A CARTHAGINIAN STRATEGY IS A CUNNING/TRICKY STRATEGY.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The general Hannibal is one of history's most celebrated military tacticians.
Multiple Choice

What is meant by a 'Carthaginian peace'?