romans
B2Formal, Academic, Historical, Typographic
Definition
Meaning
The plural form of 'roman', primarily referring to the people of ancient Rome, its empire, or its characteristic style or type.
Can refer to the letters in the common upright typographical style (roman type), as opposed to italic. In linguistics, 'Romans' can also refer to the book of the New Testament. The form can also be the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'roman', meaning to write or print in roman letters.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a plural noun, its usage is largely confined to historical/classical contexts, religious context (the Epistle), or typography. The verb form is rare and technical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core meaning. In typography, 'roman' (lowercase) is standard in both. The name of the biblical book 'Romans' is identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'Romans' primarily conjures images of the ancient empire. It carries connotations of law, engineering, empire, and classical civilization.
Frequency
The historical noun is of similar frequency. The verb form is extremely rare and technical in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[the] + Romans + [past tense verb] + [object] (The Romans built aqueducts.)[subject] + was/were + conquered/influenced + by + [the] Romans.Please + roman + [this text]. (verb)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All roads lead to Rome.”
- “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
- “Rome wasn't built in a day.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused, except perhaps metaphorically ('building a Roman empire of commerce').
Academic
Frequent in History, Classics, Archaeology, Theology (re: the Epistle), and Graphic Design/Typography.
Everyday
Used in general discussion of history, classical references, or when specifying a font style.
Technical
In typography: 'Set the body text in Romans.' In theology: 'exegesis of Romans chapter 8.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The editor asked me to roman the emphasised terms in the final draft.
- Older manuscripts were often romaned for modern readers.
American English
- The style guide requires you to roman all foreign phrases.
- She romans the titles to distinguish them from the body text.
adverb
British English
- This text is set romans. (Non-standard/archaic)
- Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
- The word was printed romans. (Non-standard/archaic)
adjective
British English
- The roman numerals are clear on the clock face.
- He preferred a classic roman font for the document.
American English
- Use roman type for the main text, please.
- The building's design featured distinct roman arches.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The Romans lived in Italy.
- This book is about Romans.
- I can read Roman numbers.
- The Romans built many roads in Britain.
- We studied the Romans in history class.
- Please write the date in roman numerals.
- The military tactics of the Romans were highly advanced for their time.
- The lecturer contrasted the worldview of the ancient Greeks with that of the Romans.
- The designer specified that the headings should be in italics and the body in roman.
- The Romans' extensive legal and administrative framework left an indelible legacy on Western jurisprudence.
- A nuanced interpretation of Paul's Epistle to the Romans requires understanding its historical-Greco-Roman context.
- The typographer insisted on using a true French roman typeface for the bicentennial edition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ROMANS' as 'ROME-ANS' — the people from Rome.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROMANS AS FOUNDATIONAL BUILDERS/LAW-GIVERS (e.g., 'the Romans of the industry'), ROMANS AS DISCIPLINED/ORDERLY (via the legions).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'роман' (a novel). 'Romans' are 'римляне'.
- The book of the Bible 'Romans' is 'Послание к Римлянам'.
- Do not translate 'roman type' as 'роман шрифт'; it's 'прямой шрифт' or 'антиква'.
Common Mistakes
- Using a lowercase 'r' when referring to the ancient people (capitalised: the Romans).
- Confusing 'Romans' (people) with 'Romanian' (people from Romania).
- Misspelling as 'Romance' (which refers to languages or a genre).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'romans' most likely be a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring to the people of ancient Rome or the biblical book, yes, it is capitalised (the Romans, the Book of Romans). When referring to the typographical style, it is not (roman type).
'Roman' pertains to Rome. 'Romance' refers to a love story or, linguistically, to languages derived from Latin (like French, Spanish). They share a common etymological root in 'Rome' but have distinct modern meanings.
No. 'Romans' specifically refers to the people of ancient Rome. Modern inhabitants of Rome are 'Romans' in a geographical sense, but the term is overwhelmingly associated with the classical era. Modern Italians are 'Italians'.
No, it is a highly technical term used almost exclusively in typography and publishing. In everyday language, you would say 'change to roman type' or 'use a regular font'.