What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
agnomen
Example
Alexander the Great's agnomen was 'the Great.' [agnomen: noun]
Example
The boxer Muhammad Ali was given the agnomen 'The Greatest' for his achievements in the ring. [agnomen: noun]
cognomen
Example
Julius Caesar's cognomen was 'Caesar.' [cognomen: noun]
Example
The artist Michelangelo's cognomen was 'Buonarroti' after his father's name. [cognomen: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cognomen is more commonly used than agnomen in everyday language, especially when referring to surnames or family names. Agnomen is less common and often used in historical or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between agnomen and cognomen?
Both agnomen and cognomen are associated with formal language and are not typically used in casual or informal contexts.
