gladiator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Literary
Quick answer
What does “gladiator” mean?
A professional fighter who engaged in public combat in ancient Rome.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A professional fighter who engaged in public combat in ancient Rome.
A person who engages in a fierce struggle, competition, or conflict; a champion or fighter in any context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Both use the word literally and metaphorically.
Connotations
In both dialects, connotes bravery, spectacle, and brutal conflict.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English due to historical/cultural resonance and popular TV shows like 'Gladiators'.
Grammar
How to Use “gladiator” in a Sentence
[N] fought/lived/died like a gladiator.[Adj N] He was a political gladiator.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gladiator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To gladiate is a rare verb meaning to fight like a gladiator.
adjective
British English
- The gladiatorial games were a central part of Roman culture.
American English
- She wore a pair of gladiator sandals to the festival.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically for a fiercely competitive executive: 'He was a gladiator in the boardroom.'
Academic
Used in historical studies of Rome and metaphorically in political science.
Everyday
Used metaphorically for sports stars or anyone in a tough competition.
Technical
Specific to archaeology and history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gladiator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gladiator”
- Misspelling as 'gladiatior' or 'gladiater'.
- Overusing the metaphorical sense in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, gladiators were predominantly male, but the modern metaphorical use applies to all genders.
The verb 'to gladiate' exists but is extremely rare and archaic. It's better to use phrases like 'fight like a gladiator'.
The most common error is spelling, often adding an extra 'i' (gladiatior) or substituting the 'o' for an 'e' (gladiater).
A 'warrior' is a general term for someone experienced in fighting, often in a military context. A 'gladiator' specifically fights for public entertainment and spectacle, making its metaphorical use imply a performative or public struggle.
A professional fighter who engaged in public combat in ancient Rome.
Gladiator is usually formal/literary in register.
Gladiator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡlæd.i.eɪ.tə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡlæd.i.eɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Enter the arena like a gladiator”
- “A gladiator's spirit”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GLAD fighter (GLADIATOR) entering the arena, putting on a brave face.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/COMPETITION IS A GLADIATORIAL COMBAT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is the LEAST common metaphorical use of 'gladiator'?