adjective B2 Upper-Intermediate

mediaeval

med-ee-EE-vuhl

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Mediaeval (adjective) means an alternative spelling of medieval, used mainly in Commonwealth English. Example: “The museum has a collection of mediaeval manuscripts.”

adjective

Commonwealth An alternative spelling of medieval, used mainly in Commonwealth English.

"The museum has a collection of mediaeval manuscripts."

"She studied mediaeval history at university."

"The town's mediaeval walls are still standing."

How to use mediaeval

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMediaeval is an older way of spelling medieval.

When to use it

It is used mainly in Commonwealth English, where it still appears occasionally, though less commonly than medieval, even in scholarly publications.

Memory tip

You can safely use medieval instead; mediaeval is just an older variant spelling.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

mediaeval history mediaeval manuscripts mediaeval architecture

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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”.

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The museum has a collection of _____ manuscripts.

Etymology

This is an older spelling of medieval, kept on in some Commonwealth writing though it is now used less often than the medieval spelling, even in scholarly work.

Origin: English

Rhymes for mediaeval

eval medieval primeval retrieval

See all rhymes for mediaeval →

Frequently asked questions

Is mediaeval the same as medieval?

Yes, mediaeval is simply an older spelling of medieval, and both refer to the same word.

Is the mediaeval spelling still used?

It still turns up occasionally, particularly in scholarly writing, but it is less common than medieval.

Which English uses the mediaeval spelling?

It is mainly found in Commonwealth English rather than American English.

What is the meaning of mediaeval?

"mediaeval" (adjective) means an alternative spelling of medieval, used mainly in Commonwealth English.