Is Nicostratus an English word?

No, it is a transliterated Ancient Greek proper name used in English historical discourse.

How do you pronounce Nicostratus?

In British English: /nɪˈkɒstrətəs/ (ni-KOS-truh-tuhs). In American English: /naɪˈkɑːstrətəs/ (ny-KAHS-truh-tuhs).

When would I ever need to use this word?

Only when reading, writing, or speaking about specific figures in Ancient Greek history, particularly the family of Pericles.

Are there other famous people named Nicostratus?

Yes, besides the son of Pericles, there was also a 4th-century BC Athenian comic poet and several figures in Greek mythology with this name.

nicostratus

Rare/Obsure

UK/nɪˈkɒstrətəs/US/naɪˈkɑːstrətəs/

Formal (historical, academic)

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A personal name, historically used in Ancient Greece, most famously borne by figures in Athenian history and mythology.

In historical and philological contexts, it refers to individuals from antiquity, notably the son of the famous Athenian statesman Pericles by his Milesian companion, Aspasia.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The name is almost exclusively referential to specific historical/mythological figures. It is not a common noun and carries no abstract meaning. Its usage is confined to classical studies, history, or historical fiction.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

None. Usage is identical and equally rare in both varieties.

Connotations

Solely historical/classical erudition.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in both; used only in specialised academic or historical contexts.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

son ofhistoricallyancient

medium

figurenamedAthenian

weak

the famousin historyknown as

Grammar

Valency Patterns

Nicostratus (proper noun) - no syntactic valency.

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

None (proper name)

Neutral

Historical figureAncient name

Weak

Ancient individualClassical personage

Vocabulary

Antonyms

None (proper name)

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in classical history and philology texts, e.g., 'The lineage of Nicostratus, son of Pericles, is debated.'

Everyday

Virtually never used.

Technical

Used only in historical/archaeological contexts.

Examples

By CEFR Level

This is a very old name.

Nicostratus was an Athenian name.

The historian mentioned Nicostratus, the lesser-known son of Pericles.

While Paralus and Xanthippus are frequently cited, the role and fate of their half-brother Nicostratus remain subjects of scholarly conjecture.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'Nick's status in Athens was high as the son of Pericles.' Nic(k) + o + status = Nicostratus.

Conceptual Metaphor

NAME AS LINEAGE (the name evokes a specific historical/familial connection).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Do not attempt to translate component parts ('niko-' does not mean 'victory' here as a standalone).
Treat it as a single, untranslatable proper name.

Common Mistakes

Mispronouncing it as 'Nico-STRAT-us' (stress on 'strat'). Correct stress is on the second syllable: 'kost'.
Attempting to use it as a common noun.
Confusing him with other sons of Pericles (e.g., Paralus, Xanthippus).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

was one of the sons of the Athenian statesman Pericles.

Multiple Choice

Nicostratus is primarily known as:

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is a transliterated Ancient Greek proper name used in English historical discourse.
: In British English: /nɪˈkɒstrətəs/ (ni-KOS-truh-tuhs). In American English: /naɪˈkɑːstrətəs/ (ny-KAHS-truh-tuhs).
: Only when reading, writing, or speaking about specific figures in Ancient Greek history, particularly the family of Pericles.
: Yes, besides the son of Pericles, there was also a 4th-century BC Athenian comic poet and several figures in Greek mythology with this name.