ENGLISH
REFERENCE

victorian

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //vɪkˈtɔɹiən// vic·to·ri·an

n. a person who lived during the time when Queen Victoria ruled the United Kingdom, from 1837 to 1901. It can also mean a house built in the grand, detailed style of that period.

n. a person living during the reign of Queen Victoria or a house constructed in the architectural style prevalent in that era. Often used to describe individuals associated with the social and moral values of 19th-century Britain.


SIMPLE

The street is lined with beautiful old Victorians.

CONTEXTUAL

Many wealthy Victorians decorated their homes with heavy furniture and dark fabrics to show off their status.

COMPLEX

While modern architects prefer minimalist designs, many homeowners still seek out restored Victorians for their intricate woodwork and historical character.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Victoria + -an (suffix forming adjectives and agent nouns), from the name of Queen Victoria (1819–1901), monarch of the United Kingdom.

Etymology 2

From Victoria (“state of Australia in the southeastern part of the continent”) + -an (suffix forming adjectives and agent nouns); the state was named after Queen Victoria when it was established in 1851.

Etymology 3

From Victoria (“capital of British Columbia, Canada”) + -an (suffix forming adjectives and agent nouns); incorporated as a city in 1862, the settlement which preceded the city was named Fort Victoria after Queen Victoria in 1843.

Etymology 4

An Americanized form of Spanish Victoriano originating in Los Angeles, a given name from Latin Victōriānus.

Etymology 5

Learned borrowing from Latin Victōriānus. By surface analysis, Victor + -ian.

Usage

When referring to the historical period or the people of that time, the word is always capitalized.

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