suetonius: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialist/educated discourse)Academic, historical, literary
Quick answer
What does “suetonius” mean?
Proper noun referring to Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, a Roman historian and biographer who lived c. AD 69 – after AD 122, best known for his work 'The Lives of the Twelve Caesars'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Proper noun referring to Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, a Roman historian and biographer who lived c. AD 69 – after AD 122, best known for his work 'The Lives of the Twelve Caesars'.
Used to refer to the historical figure himself, his works, or the style of biographical writing characterized by anecdotal detail, gossip, and psychological insight into powerful figures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes classical scholarship, ancient history, and a particular style of biographical narrative.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to relevant academic or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “suetonius” in a Sentence
Proper noun (subject/object of clause)Genitive/attributive (Suetonius's account, Suetonian style)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suetonius” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The journalist's approach was almost Suetonian in its search for salacious detail.
American English
- The biography had a Suetonian focus on the emperor's personal habits and vices.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in classical studies, history, and literature departments when discussing Roman historiography or imperial biography.
Everyday
Extremely rare, except among those with a specific interest in Roman history.
Technical
Used as a reference point in historiographical methodology concerning biographical writing and the use of sources.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “suetonius”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suetonius”
- Misspelling as 'Suetonious' or 'Suetonus'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'He is a suetonius').
- Incorrect pluralisation ('Suetonii' is not standard; use 'the works of Suetonius').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a *cognomen* (the third part of a Roman name), functioning similarly to a family name. He is correctly referred to simply as 'Suetonius'.
Suetonius is valuable but must be used critically. He had access to imperial archives but also relied on gossip and anecdote, aiming to entertain and moralise as much as to record pure facts.
No, not correctly. You cannot have 'two Suetoniuses'. You can refer to 'the works of Suetonius' or 'biographers in the tradition of Suetonius'.
Tacitus wrote analytical, political narrative history focusing on cause and effect. Suetonius wrote thematic, anecdotal biographies focusing on the character and personal lives of the emperors.
Proper noun referring to Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, a Roman historian and biographer who lived c. AD 69 – after AD 122, best known for his work 'The Lives of the Twelve Caesars'.
Suetonius is usually academic, historical, literary in register.
Suetonius: in British English it is pronounced /swɪˈtəʊ.ni.əs/, and in American English it is pronounced /swɪˈtoʊ.ni.əs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the style of Suetonius”
- “a Suetonian touch”
- “Suetonian gossip”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SWEET TON of ancient stories – 'Sue'-'ton'-'ius' wrote a ton of sweet (entertaining) tales about the Caesars.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SOURCE OF REVEALING ANECDOTES (Suetonius is a window into the private lives of the powerful).
Practice
Quiz
What is Suetonius primarily known for?