noun Uncommon

aegis

EED-zhihs

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Aegis (noun) means Protection, support, or sponsorship provided by a powerful person or organization. Example: “The research was conducted under the aegis of the national health institute.”

noun

Protection, support, or sponsorship provided by a powerful person or organization.

"The research was conducted under the aegis of the national health institute."

How to use aegis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishProtection or backing from someone powerful, often used in the phrase "under the aegis of."

When to use it

A fairly formal, literary word — mostly seen in writing about institutions, agreements, or historical topics.

Common pairings

under the aegis of

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: aegises, aegides

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The research was conducted under the _____ of the national health institute.

Etymology

From Latin aegis, from Greek αἰγίς, originally the mythological shield of Zeus and Athena, made of goatskin and linked to the Greek word for "goat."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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protection breastplate egis auspices

Related words

security safety defense insurance protection lee defence threat

Rhymes for aegis

Regis

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Frequently asked questions

What does “aegis” mean?

The word “aegis” means protection, support, or sponsorship provided by a powerful person or organization. In plain terms, protection or backing from someone powerful, often used in the phrase "under the aegis of.".

How do you pronounce “aegis”?

“Aegis” is pronounced EED-zhihs (/ˈiːd͡ʒɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “aegis” in a sentence?

Here is “aegis” used in a sentence: “The research was conducted under the aegis of the national health institute.”

What part of speech is “aegis”?

“Aegis” is a noun.

Where does the word “aegis” come from?

The word “aegis” comes from Latin. From Latin aegis, from Greek αἰγίς, originally the mythological shield of Zeus and Athena, made of goatskin and linked to the Greek word for "goat.".

Is “aegis” a common word?

“Aegis” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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