makar
Very LowLiterary, Historical, Regional (Scottish)
Definition
Meaning
A poet or bard, particularly in Scottish tradition.
A creator or maker, especially in literary or artistic contexts; historically, a Scots term for a poet, often one recognized officially, akin to a poet laureate.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in Scottish literary and historical contexts. It carries connotations of skilled craftsmanship in verse and formal recognition. Not used in contemporary general English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is almost exclusively used within a Scottish/British context. American English speakers would almost certainly not encounter it outside specialized literary studies.
Connotations
In Scottish usage, it has prestigious, national literary connotations. In wider English, it is an obscure historical/literary term.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general British English but retains niche usage in Scottish poetry circles and academic discussions of Scottish literature.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The/National/Scottish] makar + verb (e.g., writes, recited)to be appointed (as) makarthe makar of + noun phrase (e.g., the makar of Edinburgh)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, Scottish studies, and history of poetry.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A specific title/role within Scottish cultural institutions (e.g., The Scots Makar is the national poet of Scotland).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as an adjective.
American English
- Not used as an adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This word is too advanced for A2 level.
- The museum had a book by a famous Scottish makar.
- The lecture focused on the role of the makar in 15th-century Scottish courts.
- Appointed as the nation's Makar, her work sought to blend contemporary themes with traditional Scots verse.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MAKer of poems, but with a Scottish twist - a MAKAR.
Conceptual Metaphor
POET IS A CRAFTSMAN (the word 'makar' is derived from 'maker').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian "макар" (a male name).
- It is not a general term for 'creator' (творец) in modern English, but a specific literary term.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a general synonym for 'poet' in non-Scottish contexts.
- Pronouncing it as /meɪˈkɑːr/ (like 'McCarthy') instead of /ˈmakər/.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'makar' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare and specialised word, used almost exclusively in the context of Scottish poetry and literature.
'Makar' is a specific Scots term for a poet, often one with official status or recognition, and carries historical/literary connotations. 'Poet' is the general, universal term.
As of the time of writing, Kathleen Jamie is the current Scots Makar, appointed in 2021.
Using it for non-Scottish poets would be highly unusual and potentially confusing. It is strongly associated with Scottish literary tradition.