ENGLISH
REFERENCE

steven

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈstivən// steven Archaic

n. a common name for a man or a boy. It is the English version of a name that comes from a Greek word meaning 'crown'.

n. a masculine given name of Greek origin, derived from 'Stephanos'. When used as a proper name, it is capitalized and typically functions as a singular subject or object.


SIMPLE

My friend Steven is coming to the party tonight.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager, Steven, will be responsible for overseeing the new project and reporting back to the board.

COMPLEX

While the name Steven was exceptionally popular in the mid-twentieth century, its frequency has declined in recent decades as parents opt for more contemporary or traditional variations like Stephen.

Origin

Inherited from Middle English Stevene, Steven, from Anglo-Norman Estievne, Estievene, from Latin Stephanus, from Ancient Greek Στέφανος (Stéphanos), from στέφανος (stéphanos, “crown, wreath”), from στέφω (stéphō, “to put round, to surround”).

Usage

As a proper noun, it is always capitalized. The spelling 'Stephen' is a common variant with the same pronunciation.

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