gregory xiii: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Historical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “gregory xiii” mean?
Pope Gregory XIII, born Ugo Boncompagni (1502-1585), the head of the Catholic Church from 1572 to his death.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Pope Gregory XIII, born Ugo Boncompagni (1502-1585), the head of the Catholic Church from 1572 to his death.
Historical figure, primarily known for commissioning and implementing the Gregorian calendar reform in 1582.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None in meaning. UK sources may use 'Pope Gregory XIII' more consistently; US texts sometimes shorten to 'Gregory XIII' after first mention.
Connotations
Both regions associate the name primarily with the calendar change. In academic religious history, connotations include the Counter-Reformation and papal politics.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday language. Slightly higher frequency in historical and religious academic contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “gregory xiii” in a Sentence
Proper Noun (Subject of 'reform', 'commission', 'authorize')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gregory xiii” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- the Gregorian reform (derived from Gregory)
American English
- a Gregorian-calendar date (derived from Gregory XIII)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Very rare; might appear in historical contexts of international trade affected by calendar changes.
Academic
Common in history, religious studies, astronomy, and historical linguistics discussing dating systems.
Everyday
Extremely rare, except when discussing why the calendar was changed.
Technical
Used in historiography, chronology, and ecclesiastical history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gregory xiii”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gregory xiii”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gregory xiii”
- Writing 'Gregory the 13th' in formal text (use Roman numerals).
- Saying 'Gregory XIII invented the calendar' (he reformed an existing one).
- Pronouncing 'XIII' as 'ex-eye-eye-eye' instead of 'the Thirteenth'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
He decreed a reform that skipped 10 days (4-14 Oct 1582) to realign the calendar with the equinox and introduced a more accurate leap-year rule.
In the context of the calendar, yes. However, 'Gregorian' can also refer to other things (e.g., Gregorian chant, named after Pope Gregory I).
For all popes, monarchs, and similar leaders with regnal numbers. It's a stylistic convention to distinguish different rulers with the same name.
No. Catholic countries adopted it quickly, but Protestant and Orthodox nations adopted it much later (e.g., Great Britain in 1752, Russia in 1918).
Pope Gregory XIII, born Ugo Boncompagni (1502-1585), the head of the Catholic Church from 1572 to his death.
Gregory xiii is usually formal, historical, academic in register.
Gregory xiii: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɡəri ðə ˈθɜːdiənθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡrɛɡəri ðə ˈθɜrdiənθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The Gregorian shift”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GREGORY the THIRteenth introduced the calendar we use today (GREG-orian).
Conceptual Metaphor
A FOUNDER/CORRECTOR (he corrected the foundational system of timekeeping).
Practice
Quiz
What is Gregory XIII most renowned for?