# Byzantine

/ˈbɪzənˌtaɪn/ (US) · /bɪzˈɑːntiːn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/byzantine
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 2. historical empire

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

relating to the Byzantine Empire, which was the eastern part of the Roman Empire for over a thousand years.

For teachers: pertaining to the Eastern Roman Empire, its civilization, or its capital, Constantinople, from the 4th century until 1453.

- We studied Byzantine history and how the empire protected Europe for centuries.
- Byzantine diplomacy was famous for its sophistication, often relying on complex alliances rather than direct military confrontation.

### 3. art and architecture

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

a style of building and art known for using domes, gold mosaics, and very detailed decorations.

For teachers: denoting a style of architecture and art characterized by the use of the round arch, domes on pendentives, and extensive mosaic decoration.

- The old church is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture with its large central dome.
- The cathedral's interior was adorned with Byzantine mosaics that shimmered in the candlelight, depicting saints in a rigid, formal style.

### 4. a person

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Academic

a person who lived in the Byzantine Empire or was from the city of Byzantium.

For teachers: a citizen or inhabitant of the Byzantine Empire or the city of Byzantium.

- The historian wrote about how the Byzantines preserved ancient Greek texts.
- As a Byzantine, he would have been well-versed in both Roman law and Greek philosophy.

## Examples

- The tax laws are too byzantine for most people.
- The company's byzantine approval process delayed the project launch by three months.
- Scholars often criticize the byzantine syntax of medieval legal documents, noting how their convoluted phrasing obscures rather than clarifies the original intent.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.