adj Uncommon

Fabian

FAY-bee-uhn

Quiz me More like this

Fabian (adj) means favoring gradual, cautious reform over sudden or drastic change, especially in politics. Example: “She took a Fabian approach to the reorganization, introducing changes one small step at a time.”

adj

Favoring gradual, cautious reform over sudden or drastic change, especially in politics.

"She took a Fabian approach to the reorganization, introducing changes one small step at a time."

"The party's Fabian wing preferred slow legislative reform to street protest."

Deliberately cautious or delaying, avoiding a direct confrontation.

"His Fabian strategy in the negotiations was to stall until the other side ran out of patience."

How to use Fabian

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCautiously gradual, especially about change or conflict.

Common pairings

a Fabian approach Fabian tactics Fabian reform

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like Fabian.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

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: Fabians
Comparative: more Fabian
Superlative: most Fabian

Test yourself on “Fabian” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She took a _____ approach to the reorganization, introducing changes one small step at a time.

Etymology

From Fabius Maximus, the Roman general who wore down Hannibal's invading army by avoiding pitched battles and cutting his supply lines rather than fighting directly. His name later gave rise to the Fabian Society, a British group that pushed for socialism through gradual reform.

Synonyms

View more →

cautious gradual gradualist moderate incremental

Antonyms

incautious

Related words

control season lead slow chair strange mode liberal

Rhymes for Fabian

Asian radian Indian Syrian simian median Italian Russian Persian Serbian Latvian Belgian

See all rhymes for Fabian →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Fabian” mean?

The word “Fabian” means favoring gradual, cautious reform over sudden or drastic change, especially in politics. In plain terms, cautiously gradual, especially about change or conflict.

How do you pronounce “Fabian”?

“Fabian” is pronounced FAY-bee-uhn (/ˈfeɪ.bi.ən/ in IPA).

How do you use “Fabian” in a sentence?

Here is “Fabian” used in a sentence: “She took a Fabian approach to the reorganization, introducing changes one small step at a time.”

What part of speech is “Fabian”?

“Fabian” is an adjective.

Is “Fabian” a common word?

“Fabian” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Fabian” have?

“Fabian” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: favoring gradual, cautious reform over sudden or drastic change, especially in politics.

People also searched

control season lead slow chair strange mode liberal