Gaius Petronius

9.9

A Roman writer who wrote the Satyricon

proper noun

: Cayo Petronio

The famous Roman satirist, Gaius Petronius, wrote the 'Satyricon'.

Examples

Scholars regard Gaius Petronius as the likely author of the 'Satyricon.'
Some historians call Gaius Petronius the 'arbiter of elegance' in the Roman court.
During Nero's reign, Gaius Petronius was famed for his wit and literary style.
Gaius Petronius is often cited for his sharp wit.
During Nero's reign, Gaius Petronius was famed for his wit and literary style.
Scholars regard Gaius Petronius as the likely author of the 'Satyricon.'
The famous Roman satirist, Gaius Petronius, wrote the 'Satyricon.'

Surface Forms

Gaius Petronius main

Morphology

Gaius + Petronius

This is a proper name composed of two personal names; knowing the constituents 'Gaius' and 'Petronius' provides no information that would allow a learner to infer the referent is a Roman satirist or author. Proper names are arbitrary and non-compositional across languages, so the meaning (historical identity and profession) cannot be derived from the parts and would require prior knowledge or explanation.

Etymology

Gaius Petronius was a Roman writer and a clever man at Emperor Nero's court, known for his sharp wit and elegant style. Picture him judging taste and perhaps writing the wild story 'Satyricon', so people remember him as the 'arbiter of elegance' and for clever, stylish writing.