First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
barbarian
adjective bar·bar·i·an \bär-ˈber-ē-ən\
Definition of BARBARIAN
1
: of or relating to a land, culture, or people alien and usually believed to be inferior to another land, culture, or people
2
: lacking refinement, learning, or artistic or literary culture
— barbarian noun
— bar·bar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
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Origin of BARBARIAN
Latin barbarus — more at barbarous
Related to BARBARIAN
- Synonyms
- savage, barbaric, barbarous, heathen, heathenish, natural, Neanderthal (or Neandertal), rude, uncivil, uncivilized, uncultivated, wild
- Antonyms
- civilized
BARBARIANS Defined for Kids
barbarian
noun bar·bar·i·an \bär-ˈber-ē-ən\
Definition of BARBARIAN for Kids
: an uncivilized person
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