agnomen
- noun
- /æɡˈnoʊmən/
- Specialized
- The title ‘the Great’ served as an agnomen to many rulers throughout history.
Examples
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In ancient Rome, a victorious general might be awarded the agnomen 'Africanus'.
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His achievements earned him the agnomen 'the Wise' among his peers.
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Julius Caesar was often referred to by his agnomen, 'Imperator'.
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Many ancient Romans had an agnomen that indicated their achievements.
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Julius Caesar was given the agnomen 'Imperator' after his military victories.
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Many Romans received an agnomen that reflected their achievements, such as 'the Great' or 'the Blessed'.
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In ancient Rome, an agnomen often served to honor a person's accomplishments or to distinguish them from others.
Surface Forms
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'.