graecia magna: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialist / Academic / Historical
Quick answer
What does “graecia magna” mean?
A Latin term for the coastal regions of Southern Italy and Sicily colonised by Greek settlers from the 8th century BC onwards.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Latin term for the coastal regions of Southern Italy and Sicily colonised by Greek settlers from the 8th century BC onwards.
The collective Greek colonies and settlements in Southern Italy and Sicily, which formed a significant part of the ancient Greek world and were influential in transmitting Greek culture to the Italic peninsula, especially to Rome.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling. Both varieties use the Latin 'Magna Graecia' more frequently than the English word order 'Graecia Magna'.
Connotations
Same academic/historical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage; appears only in specialised academic or historical writing. 'Magna Graecia' is the standard form.
Grammar
How to Use “graecia magna” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] as subject (Graecia Magna flourished...) [Preposition +] Graecia Magna (in Graecia Magna, from Graecia Magna)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “graecia magna” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Magna Graecian pottery
- Magna Graecian influence
American English
- Magna Graecian colonies
- Magna Graecian architecture
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, classical, and archaeological texts and discussions to refer to the Greek colonies in Southern Italy.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific term in classical studies and ancient history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “graecia magna”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “graecia magna”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “graecia magna”
- Misordering the words to 'Magna Graecia' (which is actually the correct Latin form).
- Using it as a common noun.
- Pronouncing 'Graecia' as /ˈɡreɪsiə/ instead of /ˈɡriːsiə/ or /ˈɡriʃə/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a Latin term adopted into English academic vocabulary. The standard form used in English is actually 'Magna Graecia'.
It included coastal areas of modern-day Campania, Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria in Italy, and Sicily.
Possibly due to the wealth and size of the colonies compared to their mother cities, or to distinguish it from mainland Greece.
In English writing, 'Magna Graecia' (the Latin word order) is the overwhelmingly more common and standard form.
A Latin term for the coastal regions of Southern Italy and Sicily colonised by Greek settlers from the 8th century BC onwards.
Graecia magna is usually specialist / academic / historical in register.
Graecia magna: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmæɡnə ˈɡriːsiə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmæɡnə ˈɡriʃə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GREAT GREECE' – 'Magna' means great, 'Graecia' is Greece. It was 'Great Greece' abroad, in Italy.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for this proper historical/geographical term.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Graecia Magna' refer to?