Alexandrian
|Al-ex-an-dri-an|
/ˌælɪɡˈzændriən/
of or relating to Alexandria/Alexander
Etymology
'Alexandrian' originates from Greek via the place-name 'Alexandria' (Greek: 'Alexandros', "defender of men"), formed in English with the suffix '-an' meaning 'relating to or from'.
'Alexandrian' developed from the Greek personal name 'Alexandros' (which gave the city-name 'Alexandria'), entered Latin and Medieval Latin as 'Alexandria', and later formed the English adjective 'Alexandrian'.
Initially connected directly to the name 'Alexander' (i.e., 'of Alexander'), the meaning broadened to denote relation to the city of Alexandria and to characteristics associated with its culture and scholarship.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a native or inhabitant of Alexandria (the city, most commonly the one in Egypt) or of any place named Alexandria.
She is an Alexandrian who returns to the city every summer.
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Noun 2
a member or scholar of the ancient Alexandrian school (e.g., scholars associated with the Library of Alexandria or Hellenistic scholarship).
An Alexandrian preserved and commented on many classical manuscripts.
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Adjective 1
relating to or originating from the city of Alexandria.
The museum hosts an exhibition of Alexandrian architecture and art.
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Adjective 2
relating to Alexander the Great or the Hellenistic period associated with his legacy.
The poet used Alexandrian themes and references to Hellenistic culture.
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Adjective 3
in textual criticism, relating to the Alexandrian text-type of biblical manuscripts (i.e., a classification of manuscript families).
Scholars often prefer the Alexandrian readings for their age and reliability.
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Last updated: 2025/11/09 22:39