ENGLISH
REFERENCE

marian

adj.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈmɛɹiən// mar·i·an Archaic

adj. relating to Mary, the mother of Jesus. You usually see this word in religious books or when people talk about church history.

adj. relating to or venerating the Virgin Mary. Typically used in theological or historical contexts to describe devotions, doctrines, or artistic depictions.


SIMPLE

The church is famous for its beautiful Marian shrine.

CONTEXTUAL

The month of May is traditionally a time for Marian devotions in many Catholic communities around the world.

COMPLEX

Scholars often examine the evolution of Marian iconography to understand how the image of the Madonna shifted from a symbol of authority to one of maternal tenderness over several centuries.

Etymology 1

A variant of Marion, a medieval derivation of Mary, often also interpreted as a contraction of Mary and Ann, or as a variant of Mariana.

Etymology 2

From Mary + -an.

Etymology 3

From Mari + -an.

Usage

Always capitalised. Typically used attributively before a noun.

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