matthew of paris: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowAcademic / Formal / Historical
Quick answer
What does “matthew of paris” mean?
A 13th-century English Benedictine monk, chronicler, and artist, known for his detailed historical writings and illustrations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A 13th-century English Benedictine monk, chronicler, and artist, known for his detailed historical writings and illustrations.
Primarily refers to the historical figure himself. Can also refer to his surviving works, particularly the 'Chronica Majora,' and can serve as a metonym for medieval historiography or manuscript illumination of that specific period and place.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. British texts may reference him more frequently due to national historical focus.
Connotations
Scholarly, medieval, historical authority.
Frequency
Used almost exclusively in academic/historical writing. Slightly higher frequency in UK academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “matthew of paris” in a Sentence
Matthew of Paris + verb (chronicled, wrote, described)According to + Matthew of ParisThe chronicles of + Matthew of ParisVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matthew of paris” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Matthew Paris manuscripts
- a Matthew-of-Paris-style illustration
American English
- Matthew Paris chronicle
- a Matthew of Paris account
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Common in history, art history, and medieval studies papers and texts. E.g., 'Matthew of Paris provides a crucial narrative of the Barons' Wars.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in specific historical and palaeographical discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matthew of paris”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matthew of paris”
- Treating it as a common noun (e.g., 'a matthew of paris').
- Incorrect capitalisation.
- Confusing him with other medieval chroniclers like Roger of Wendover.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Of Paris' is a toponymic surname likely indicating he studied in Paris. He was English and spent his adult life at St. Albans Abbey.
His continuation of the 'Chronica Majora' (Great Chronicle), a year-by-year history of the world, is considered his magnum opus.
No. It is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in academic or historical contexts. The average native speaker would likely not recognise it.
Use it as a proper noun, always capitalized, typically as the subject or object of a sentence about medieval history. E.g., 'According to Matthew of Paris, the event occurred in 1245.'
A 13th-century English Benedictine monk, chronicler, and artist, known for his detailed historical writings and illustrations.
Matthew of paris is usually academic / formal / historical in register.
Matthew of paris: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmæθjuː əv ˈpærɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæθjuː əv ˈpærɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MATTer-of-fact' history from a monk in PARIS? No, he was from St. Albans but named 'of Paris' (from the city he studied at).
Conceptual Metaphor
A SOURCE (of historical knowledge), A WITNESS (to past events).
Practice
Quiz
Matthew of Paris is best described as a: