Barbarian
/bɑːrˈbeəriən/
Definitions
A person considered uncivilized or primitive.
/bɑːrˈbeəriən/
A member of a tribe or people considered to be uncivilized.
The conquering army treated the defeated barbarians with cruelty.
💡 Simply: Someone who is not civilized or cultured.
More Examples
In literature, the villain is often depicted as a brutal barbarian.
How It's Used
"The Roman Empire often clashed with barbarian tribes at its borders."
"He behaved like a barbarian, smashing the priceless vase."
From Late Latin *barbarus, from Greek βάρβαρος (bárbaros), literally "foreigner, non-Greek"; originally a descriptive term used by the ancient Greeks to refer to those whose language sounded like unintelligible babble ("bar-bar"). The term later took on negative connotations, signifying uncivilized or savage people.
The term 'barbarian' has a long and complex history, initially a neutral descriptor but evolving to carry significantly negative connotations.
Memory tip
Think of 'bar-bar' sounds, signifying unintelligible speech, associated with those deemed 'uncivilized'.
Word Origin
"Foreigner, non-Greek; one whose speech sounds like unintelligible babble."