horace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, literary, academic
Quick answer
What does “horace” mean?
A classical Roman poet and satirist.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A classical Roman poet and satirist.
Proper noun referring to the historical figure, his works, or used as a given name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slight variance in academic citation style (e.g., 'Hor., Od.' vs. 'Horace, Odes').
Connotations
Both regions associate the name with classical literature, education, and sometimes an old-fashioned gentleman.
Frequency
Rare as a contemporary given name in both regions; appears almost exclusively in literary or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “horace” in a Sentence
[Subject] studies/quotes/cites/references Horace.Horace writes/argues/suggests [clause].According to Horace, [statement].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “horace” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He horaced his way through the elegy, imitating the master's style.
- The essay horaces the themes of carpe diem.
American English
- She horaced the passage, adding a classical flourish.
- The poet horaces the original Latin metre.
adverb
British English
- The poem was written Horatianly.
- He argued Horatianly for moderation.
American English
- She translated the line Horatianly, preserving the wit.
- The satire worked Horatianly, with gentle humor.
adjective
British English
- His style was distinctly Horatian.
- They attended a Horatian symposium.
American English
- She wrote a Horatian ode for the competition.
- The lecture covered Horatian philosophy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in classics, literature, and history departments when discussing Roman poetry, Augustan age, or literary satire.
Everyday
Extremely rare except in reference to someone's name.
Technical
Used in philology, classical studies, and historical scholarship.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “horace”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “horace”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “horace”
- Using 'Horace' as a common noun (e.g., 'a horace').
- Misspelling as 'Horrace' or 'Horece'.
- Mispronouncing as /həˈreɪs/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is almost exclusively a proper noun referring to the historical poet or used as a personal name.
He is most famous for his 'Odes' (lyric poems) and his 'Satires' and 'Epistles', which explore themes of moderation, contentment ('the golden mean'), and the fleeting nature of life ('carpe diem').
Example: 'This thesis examines the reception of Horace in 18th-century English literature.'
Yes. 'Horatian' has become a stylistic term to describe any work (ode, satire, essay) that resembles his characteristics: balanced, witty, conversational, and advocating moderation.
A classical Roman poet and satirist.
Horace is usually formal, literary, academic in register.
Horace: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒr.ɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɔːr.ɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Horatian ode (a short, reflective lyric poem)”
- “Horatian satire (gentle, witty criticism)”
- “To be Horatian (displaying balanced wisdom and wit).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HORACE: HOnoured Roman Author Composing Endlessly.
Conceptual Metaphor
Horace is a source (of wisdom/style), a pillar (of classical tradition), a voice (from the past).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Horatian satire' best known for?