barbarian

[bɑːˈbeəriən]

barbarian Definition

a member of a community or tribe not belonging to one of the great civilizations (Greek, Roman, Christian).

Using barbarian: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "barbarian" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The barbarians were attacking the city.

  • Example

    The Romans considered the Germanic tribes to be barbarians.

  • Example

    The ancient Greeks used the term 'barbarian' to refer to anyone who did not speak Greek.

barbarian Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for barbarian

Antonyms for barbarian

  • civilized person
  • cultured person

Phrases with barbarian

  • a military attack by a non-civilized people on a civilized society

    Example

    The barbarian invasion of Rome led to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

  • barbarian hordes

    a large group of uncivilized people who are attacking or invading a place

    Example

    The city was overrun by barbarian hordes.

  • the customs, beliefs, and way of life of non-civilized people

    Example

    The study of barbarian culture is an important field of anthropology.

Origins of barbarian

from Latin 'barbarus', meaning 'foreign'

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Summary: barbarian in Brief

The term 'barbarian' [bɑːˈbeəriən] refers to a member of a community or tribe not belonging to one of the great civilizations, such as the Greeks, Romans, or Christians. It is often used to describe uncivilized or savage people, exemplified by 'The barbarians were attacking the city.' The term extends into phrases like 'barbarian invasion,' and 'barbarian culture,' denoting the customs and beliefs of non-civilized people.