ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fabian

adj.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈfeɪbiən// fabi·an Archaic

adj. describing a way of making progress slowly and carefully rather than using sudden, violent changes.

adj. characterised by a cautious, dilatory, or indirect strategy to achieve an objective, especially in a political or military context. Often capitalised when referring to the British society that advocates for gradual social reform.


SIMPLE

The committee took a Fabian approach to the new rules.

CONTEXTUAL

The general employed Fabian tactics, avoiding a direct battle to slowly wear down the enemy's resources.

COMPLEX

The movement's Fabian strategy of incremental legislative change eventually proved more durable than the radical upheavals seen in neighbouring states during the same period.

Origin

From Latin Fabiānus (“belonging to Fabius”), derived from Fabius + -ānus.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun like 'strategy', 'tactics', or 'approach'.

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