optimate Definition
- 1a member of the aristocracy or nobility
- 2a conservative politician or statesman who upholds the interests of the aristocracy
Using optimate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "optimate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The optimate class held most of the power in ancient Rome.
Example
The optimate party opposed the reforms proposed by the populares.
Example
He was born into an optimate family and inherited their wealth and status.
optimate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with optimate
Optimates and Populares
two opposing factions in the late Roman Republic, with the Optimates representing the conservative aristocracy and the Populares representing the common people
Example
The political conflict between the Optimates and Populares eventually led to the downfall of the Roman Republic.
a conservative political party in 19th century Sweden that represented the interests of the aristocracy
Example
The Optimate Party dominated Swedish politics during the early 1800s.
a political system in which power is held by a small group of wealthy and influential individuals
Example
The Optimate System was prevalent in many European countries during the Middle Ages.
Origins of optimate
from Latin 'optimas', meaning 'best'
Summary: optimate in Brief
The term 'optimate' [ˈɒptɪmət] refers to a member of the aristocracy or nobility, or a conservative politician who upholds their interests. It has roots in ancient Rome, where the Optimate class held most of the power. 'Optimate' extends into phrases like 'Optimates and Populares,' referring to opposing factions in the late Roman Republic, and 'Optimate Party,' a conservative political party in 19th century Sweden.
