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agnomen

agnomen

9.9
An extra name or title given to a person to honour them
  • noun
  • /æɡˈnoʊmən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : agnomen
  • The title ‘the Great’ served as an agnomen to many rulers throughout history.

Examples

  • In ancient Rome, a victorious general might be awarded the agnomen 'Africanus'.

  • His achievements earned him the agnomen 'the Wise' among his peers.

  • Julius Caesar was often referred to by his agnomen, 'Imperator'.

  • Many ancient Romans had an agnomen that indicated their achievements.

  • Julius Caesar was given the agnomen 'Imperator' after his military victories.

  • Many Romans received an agnomen that reflected their achievements, such as 'the Great' or 'the Blessed'.

  • In ancient Rome, an agnomen often served to honor a person's accomplishments or to distinguish them from others.

Surface Forms

agnomen singular
agnomina plural

Etymology

Agnomen comes from the Latin parts ad- 'to' and nomen 'name', so it originally meant an 'added name'. That's why an agnomen is an extra name or title given to honor someone, like 'the Great'.