Norman architecture
- noun
- /ˈnɔrmən ˌɑrkɪˈtɛkʧər/
- Specialized
:
arquitectura normanda
- The church of Greater Ambrose Surlesard was a Romanesque structure so blocky as to make stolid Norman architecture look like the airy stone fantasies of the High Gothic.
Examples
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As we toured the ancient abbey, we admired the impressive Norman architecture that has stood the test of time since the 11th century.
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"Yes, a splendid example of twelfth-century Norman architecture," Tracy said proudly.
Fiction book (1990) -
The cathedral in the town is a stunning example of Norman architecture with its rounded arches and thick walls.
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Many castles built in England display classic features of Norman architecture, such as large towers and massive masonry.
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines 'Norman' (pertaining to Normandy) with 'architecture', so the basic meaning — architecture from or in the Norman style — is directly derivable from the constituent words. This adjective+noun origin/style pattern is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words will grasp the basic sense, although detailed historical or stylistic features (e.g. Romanesque characteristics) require specialist knowledge.
Etymology
Norman architecture is named after the builders called the Normans, who came from Normandy and built thick-walled churches and castles with rounded arches and big towers after 1066. That's why Norman architecture now means the old 'style' of architecture with heavy walls, rounded arches and large towers.
