adj
Uncommon
Byzantine
bih-ZAN-tyn
Byzantine (adj) means relating to the Byzantine Empire or its art and architecture. Example: “The cathedral's mosaics are a fine example of Byzantine style.”
adj
1
Relating to the Byzantine Empire or its art and architecture.
"The cathedral's mosaics are a fine example of Byzantine style."
2
Excessively complicated, especially describing rules or bureaucracy.
"Getting a visa involved a byzantine set of forms and approvals."
How to use Byzantine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither literally about the Byzantine Empire, or figuratively describing something needlessly convoluted.
Common pairings
byzantine bureaucracy
byzantine rules
byzantine architecture
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Word forms
- Plural
- byzantines
- Comparative
- more Byzantine
- Superlative
- most Byzantine
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cathedral's mosaics are a fine example of _____ style.
Etymology
From Late Latin bȳzantīnus, from Byzantium — the figurative "overly complicated" sense comes from the reputation of the Byzantine imperial court for intrigue and complex politics.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for Byzantine
See all rhymes for Byzantine →Frequently asked questions
What does “Byzantine” mean?
The word “Byzantine” means relating to the Byzantine Empire or its art and architecture. In plain terms, either literally about the Byzantine Empire, or figuratively describing something needlessly convoluted.
How do you pronounce “Byzantine”?
“Byzantine” is pronounced bih-ZAN-tyn (/ˈbɪzəntiːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “Byzantine” in a sentence?
Here is “Byzantine” used in a sentence: “The cathedral's mosaics are a fine example of Byzantine style.”
What part of speech is “Byzantine”?
“Byzantine” is an adjective.
Where does the word “Byzantine” come from?
The word “Byzantine” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin bȳzantīnus, from Byzantium — the figurative "overly complicated" sense comes from the reputation of the Byzantine imperial court for intrigue and complex politics.
Is “Byzantine” a common word?
“Byzantine” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Byzantine” have?
“Byzantine” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the Byzantine Empire or its art and architecture.
