nine worthies
C2 (Very low frequency; literary/historical)Literary, historical, occasionally humorous/archaic.
Definition
Meaning
A traditional canonical group of nine historical, scriptural, or legendary figures, drawn from Pagan, Jewish, and Christian history, who were held up as paragons of chivalry and virtue.
More generally, it can refer to any highly esteemed or exemplary group, particularly a group of nine (though sometimes used loosely). In modern contexts, it can be used ironically to describe a group assembled with pretensions to greatness.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A proper noun phrase, typically capitalized as 'Nine Worthies'. Originally a fixed, specific list (Hector, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar; Joshua, David, Judas Maccabeus; King Arthur, Charlemagne, Godfrey of Bouillon). Modern use often capitalizes on historical/ironic recognition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates from medieval European literature and is equally obscure in both varieties. No significant usage difference.
Connotations
Equally archaic/literary in both.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language for both; perhaps marginally more likely in British discourse due to stronger tradition of medieval studies and Arthurian legend.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The] Nine Worthies [verb]...He was counted among the Nine Worthies.A modern set of Nine Worthies.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a nine worthies of [modern field, e.g., science] (humorous/archaic)”
- “not quite one of the nine worthies (ironic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or art history contexts discussing medieval/renaissance culture, iconography, and virtue.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Possible in humorous reference to a self-important group.
Technical
Specific term in medieval studies and art history for a particular motif.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the old castle, we saw pictures of the Nine Worthies on the wall.
- The medieval concept of the Nine Worthies grouped ideal warriors from three different traditions.
- His lecture compared modern sporting heroes to the Nine Worthies, albeit humorously.
- The tapestry's portrayal of the Nine Worthies served as a didactic tool, embodying the chivalric virtues for its aristocratic viewers.
- Ironically describing the board of directors as the 'Nine Worthies' highlighted their self-regard more than their actual virtue.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a medieval tapestry divided into THREE panels (Pagan, Jewish, Christian), each with THREE heroes (3 x 3 = 9 worthies).
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORICAL FIGURES ARE EXEMPLARS; A CANONICAL LIST IS A PANTHEON.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'worthies' literally as 'ценности' ('values'). It means 'достойные мужи', 'великие люди'.
- It is a fixed, historical term, not a descriptive phrase like 'девять достойных' unless referring specifically to the canon.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a singular ('a nine worthy'). It is always plural and usually preceded by 'the'.
- Using it without capitalization when referring to the specific historical canon.
- Assuming it is a common phrase understood by all listeners.
Practice
Quiz
The Nine Worthies traditionally include figures from which sets of traditions?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the specific historical/legendary canon. In loose, metaphorical modern use, it may not be.
The traditional canon is exclusively male. Later traditions sometimes created a parallel set of 'Nine Female Worthies', but the original term refers to the male group.
No, it is a specialized historical/literary term. Its use in modern English is almost always deliberate, either academic or ironic.
Group them by three: Three Pagans (Hector, Alexander, Caesar), Three Jews (Joshua, David, Judas Maccabeus), Three Christians (Arthur, Charlemagne, Godfrey of Bouillon).