sicilian vespers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHistorical/Academic/Literary
Quick answer
What does “sicilian vespers” mean?
A historical uprising and massacre in 1282 that began at the start of Vespers prayer on Easter Monday in Palermo, Sicily, against the rule of Charles I of Anjou.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical uprising and massacre in 1282 that began at the start of Vespers prayer on Easter Monday in Palermo, Sicily, against the rule of Charles I of Anjou.
By extension, the term is used metaphorically for any sudden, coordinated rebellion or violent overthrow, often beginning at a specific signal or event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage, though the event is slightly more common in British historiography and literature.
Connotations
Both dialects carry connotations of treachery, sudden violence, and organized revolt.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects, primarily found in historical, political, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sicilian vespers” in a Sentence
The [EVENT/WAR/COUP] was a modern Sicilian Vespers.The [LEADER/GOVERNMENT] feared a Sicilian Vespers.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sicilian vespers” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The historian's lecture focused entirely on the causes and consequences of the Sicilian Vespers.
- The betrayal was likened to a Sicilian Vespers by the press.
American English
- The Sicilian Vespers is a key topic in medieval European history courses.
- His removal from power was a corporate Sicilian Vespers, orchestrated during the annual retreat.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically for a sudden, coordinated boardroom coup or mass resignation.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, and literature studies to describe the 1282 event or analogous revolts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by someone with specific historical knowledge.
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside historical analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sicilian vespers”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sicilian vespers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sicilian vespers”
- Referring to any riot as a 'Sicilian Vespers' (it requires planning and a triggering signal).
- Using it as a common noun without 'the' (it's 'the Sicilian Vespers').
- Misspelling 'Vespers' as 'Vesper's'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It refers to the evening prayer service in the Christian liturgy. The rebellion began at the sound of the bells for the Vespers service on Easter Monday, 1282.
No, its standard use implies violence and massacre. Using it for a peaceful protest would be an inaccurate metaphor.
No, it is a low-frequency term. It is primarily used by historians, political commentators, and in literary contexts.
The idea of a hidden, coordinated action (revolt/massacre) being triggered by a specific, public, and often innocuous signal (like church bells).
A historical uprising and massacre in 1282 that began at the start of Vespers prayer on Easter Monday in Palermo, Sicily, against the rule of Charles I of Anjou.
Sicilian vespers is usually historical/academic/literary in register.
Sicilian vespers: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˌsɪl.i.ən ˈvɛs.pəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˌsɪl.i.ən ˈvɛs.pɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To risk a Sicilian Vespers”
- “A Vespers moment”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: VESPERS = EVENING PRAYER. The 'Sicilian Evening Prayer' that started a bloody rebellion.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CATALYTIC EVENT IS A STARTING SIGNAL (for a hidden, violent process).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core historical referent of 'Sicilian Vespers'?