C1adjective3K

Medieval

UK /["/ˌmediˈiːvl/"]/US /["/ˌmediˈiːvl//ˌmiːdˈiːvl/"]/

Definition

connected with the Middle Ages (about AD 1000 to AD 1450)

In simple words: relating to the Middle Ages, a long time ago

Examples

  • medieval architecture/castles/manuscripts
  • the literature of the late medieval period

Usage notes

Use 'medieval' when describing things from the Middle Ages, like architecture or history. It's appropriate in both academic and casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'middle' and 'ages' — medieval means from the middle ages.

Collocations

  • medieval times
  • medieval architecture
  • medieval history

Synonyms

  • Middle Ages
  • Gothic
  • feudal

Antonyms

  • modern
  • contemporary

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'immediate' which means something else.
  • Using it to describe modern settings instead of historical ones.