diodorus siculus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic / Literary
Quick answer
What does “diodorus siculus” mean?
A classical Greek historian (1st century BCE) known for his universal history 'Bibliotheca Historica'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A classical Greek historian (1st century BCE) known for his universal history 'Bibliotheca Historica'.
A historical source frequently cited in classical studies, ancient history, and archaeology; his name is used metonymically to refer to his surviving works and historical methodology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Pronunciation of 'Siculus' may vary slightly (/ˈsɪkjʊləs/ UK, /ˈsɪkjələs/ US). No spelling or usage differences.
Connotations
Both varieties associate the name with classical scholarship and ancient source criticism.
Frequency
Exclusively found in academic contexts; equally low frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “diodorus siculus” in a Sentence
[Author] Diodorus Siculus + [Verb of reporting] + [Content Clause][Subject] + is + [V-passive] + by Diodorus SiculusVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diodorus siculus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Diodoran account is often fragmentary.
- This exhibits a clear Diodoran narrative style.
American English
- The Diodoran method involves compilation.
- Her analysis focused on the Diodoran sections.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Essential in classical studies, ancient history, and archaeology for discussing historical sources and methodologies. Used in citations and source criticism.
Technical
Used in philology, historiography, and source analysis to denote a specific historiographical tradition and compilation method.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diodorus siculus”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diodorus siculus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diodorus siculus”
- Treating it as a common noun (e.g., 'a diodorus siculus').
- Omitting 'Siculus' when the full name is required.
- Incorrect capitalisation (e.g., 'Diodorus siculus').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It means 'the Sicilian,' indicating his origin from the island of Sicily.
He preserved summaries and accounts from many earlier historians whose works are now lost, making him a crucial source for much of Greek and ancient history.
No. 'Diodorus' is his given name; 'Siculus' is an epithet (a descriptive tag) meaning 'the Sicilian,' used to distinguish him from other men named Diodorus.
He wrote in Koine Greek, the common Greek dialect of the Hellenistic period.
A classical Greek historian (1st century BCE) known for his universal history 'Bibliotheca Historica'.
Diodorus siculus is usually academic / literary in register.
Diodorus siculus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪəˈdɔːrəs ˈsɪkjʊləs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪəˈdɔːrəs ˈsɪkjələs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DIODORUS: DIO (Greek for 'through' or 'god') + DORUS (sounds like 'door us') – a door to ancient history. SICULUS: Sicilian.
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORICAL SOURCE IS A WITNESS (Diodorus Siculus testifies to events).
Practice
Quiz
What is Diodorus Siculus best known for?