Is 'denarius' used for modern money?

No, it is exclusively a historical term for an ancient Roman coin.

What is the plural of 'denarius'?

The correct Latin plural is 'denarii'.

How much was a denarius worth?

Its value fluctuated. In the 1st century AD, it was roughly a day's wage for a labourer.

Where in English might I read this word?

In translations of the Bible (e.g., Matthew 20:2), historical novels, and academic works on ancient Rome.

Is “denarius” formal?

Denarius is usually formal / historical / literary / academic in register.

How do you pronounce “denarius”?

Denarius: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈnɛərɪəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈnɛriəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

denarius: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/dɪˈnɛərɪəs/US/dɪˈnɛriəs/

Formal / Historical / Literary / Academic

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “denarius” mean?

A small silver coin used in ancient Rome.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A small silver coin used in ancient Rome.

A unit of currency in ancient Rome, later used symbolically to refer to money, historical currency, or in religious contexts (e.g., the 'thirty pieces of silver').

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in usage or meaning. The term is equally rare in both varieties.

Connotations

Historical scholarship, classicism, biblical reference.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialised texts.

Grammar

How to Use “denarius” in a Sentence

The denarius was [verb, e.g., minted, devalued]A denarius [verb, e.g., bought, weighed]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

Roman denariussilver denariusvalue of a denarius

medium

ancient denariusminted a denariusworth a denarius

weak

historical denariussingle denariuslost denarius

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in history, archaeology, classics, and theology papers.

Everyday

Virtually never used.

Technical

Used in numismatics (coin collecting/study).

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “denarius”

Strong

sestertius (a related but different Roman coin)antique coin

Neutral

Roman coinsilver coinancient currency

Weak

old coinhistorical money

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “denarius”

modern currencydecimal coinpaper money

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “denarius”

Using it to refer to modern money.
Incorrect plural: 'denariuses' (correct: 'denarii').
Pronouncing it /dɛˈnɑːriʊs/.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is exclusively a historical term for an ancient Roman coin.
: The correct Latin plural is 'denarii'.
: Its value fluctuated. In the 1st century AD, it was roughly a day's wage for a labourer.
: In translations of the Bible (e.g., Matthew 20:2), historical novels, and academic works on ancient Rome.
: A small silver coin used in ancient Rome.
: Denarius is usually formal / historical / literary / academic in register.
: Denarius: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈnɛərɪəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈnɛriəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Thirty pieces of silver (Biblical reference, likely denarii)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

DENARIUS sounds like 'dinosaurs' — both are ancient and studied by experts.

Conceptual Metaphor

MONEY IS HISTORY / A MEASURE OF VALUE.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In the Parable of the Workers, each labourer was paid a single for a day's work.

Multiple Choice

In which field would you most likely encounter the word 'denarius'?