spartiate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareHistorical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “spartiate” mean?
A citizen of the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta, specifically a member of the ruling military class.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A citizen of the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta, specifically a member of the ruling military class.
More broadly, it can refer to a person embodying the legendary discipline, austerity, and martial values associated with ancient Sparta.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage, spelling, or meaning. It is a highly specific historical term used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
In both regions, it evokes the same historical and cultural associations with ancient Sparta.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, but might be marginally more common in British texts due to historical curriculum emphases.
Grammar
How to Use “spartiate” in a Sentence
[Adjective] SpartiateSpartiate [of/from Sparta]A Spartiate [was/were]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spartiate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Spartiate class held all political power in Laconia.
American English
- He adopted an almost Spartiate diet of simple broth and hard bread.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except possibly in metaphorical references to a frugal or highly disciplined corporate culture.
Academic
Used in history, classics, and political science texts discussing the social structure of ancient Sparta.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in historical fiction, documentaries, or as an erudite metaphor.
Technical
Used as a precise historical classification in academic works on antiquity.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spartiate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spartiate”
- Pronouncing it as /spɑːrˈtaɪ.ət/ (like 'Sparta' with '-ite'). The standard is /ˈspɑː.ti.eɪt/.
- Using it as a general synonym for any ancient Greek soldier.
- Misspelling as 'Spartite'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A Spartiate was a full citizen of the ruling class. Most inhabitants of Sparta (like the Perioeci and Helots) were not Spartiates.
'Homoioi' (meaning 'peers' or 'equals') was another name for the Spartiate class, emphasizing their theoretically equal status amongst themselves.
Only metaphorically or in historical analogy, e.g., 'The CEO demanded a spartiate level of frugality from his executives.' It is not a standard modern English word.
By birth to Spartiate parents, successful completion of the state-controlled education system (the agoge), and continuous contribution to a common mess (syssition). Loss of property or failure in duty could lead to loss of status.
A citizen of the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta, specifically a member of the ruling military class.
Spartiate is usually historical/academic in register.
Spartiate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɑː.ti.eɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɑːr.t̬i.eɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To live like a Spartiate (implies extreme austerity and discipline)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SPARTiate = SPARTA + CITIZEN. It's the 'official' term for a full Spartan citizen-soldier.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISCIPLINE IS A SPARTIATE LIFESTYLE; ELITISM IS SPARTIATE STATUS.
Practice
Quiz
What was a defining economic characteristic of a Spartiate?