mathusala: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / LiteraryFormal, Literary, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “mathusala” mean?
A reference to extreme old age or longevity, originating from the Biblical patriarch Methuselah, who is said to have lived 969 years.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A reference to extreme old age or longevity, originating from the Biblical patriarch Methuselah, who is said to have lived 969 years.
Used metaphorically to describe something or someone of great age, antiquity, or remarkable longevity. Often implies something is outdated, archaic, or has persisted for an excessively long time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is equally rare in both varieties. Slight preference for the spelling 'Methuselah' in formal religious/literary contexts.
Connotations
Similar connotations of extreme age and obsolescence in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency. More likely encountered in literary works, sermons, or rhetorical speech than in everyday language.
Grammar
How to Use “mathusala” in a Sentence
[be] a Mathusala[have] the age/longevity of Mathusala[live] to a Mathuselan ageVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mathusala” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- That oak tree in the village green is a veritable Mathusala.
- He's a bit of a Mathusala when it comes to his views on technology.
American English
- That car is a real Mathusala, but it still runs.
- Some of the policies in the handbook are absolute Mathusalas.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'That mainframe system is a real Mathusala; it's time for an upgrade.'
Academic
Used in historical or theological discussion of longevity. 'The Mathuselan lifespan described in Genesis is symbolic.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mathusala”
- Misspelling as 'Methusula' or 'Mathusula'. Using it to describe something merely old rather than exceptionally/legendarily ancient.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and used almost exclusively in literary, rhetorical, or figurative contexts to evoke extreme age.
The most standard and recognized spelling in English is 'Methuselah'. 'Mathusala' is a less common variant. The word is always capitalized as it originates from a proper name.
It is not recommended. While it denotes longevity, it strongly implies being outdated or archaic and could be perceived as disrespectful.
It functions primarily as a proper noun (name) and, by extension, a countable noun (e.g., 'a Methuselah'). It is not used as a verb or adjective, though the derivative 'Methuselan' can function adjectivally.
A reference to extreme old age or longevity, originating from the Biblical patriarch Methuselah, who is said to have lived 969 years.
Mathusala is usually formal, literary, figurative in register.
Mathusala: in British English it is pronounced /məˈθjuːzələ/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈθuːzələ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “older than Methuselah”
- “a Methuselah of wine (for a very large bottle)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MATH' + 'US' + 'ALA' — 'Math' (numbers, age) 'US' (in the USA, we have old monuments) 'ALA' (sounds like 'old-a').
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MEASURABLE JOURNEY; LONGEVITY IS A LEGENDARY DISTANCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Mathusala' most appropriately used?