Dionysius
|di-o-ny-si-us|
/ˌdaɪəˈnaɪsiəs/
devotee of Dionysus
Etymology
'Dionysius' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'Dionysios' (Διονύσιος), where the element 'Dionys-' meant 'of Dionysus' indicating association with the god Dionysus.
'Dionysios' passed into Latin as 'Dionysius,' was used in Medieval Latin and Old French as 'Denis,' and later remained in English as 'Dionysius' and produced variants such as 'Denis' and 'Dionysian'.
Initially it meant 'belonging to or devoted to Dionysus'; over time it became used primarily as a personal name for various historical and religious figures, losing its direct cultic meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a male given name of Greek origin meaning 'devotee of Dionysus' or 'belonging to Dionysus'.
Dionysius is an ancient Greek name meaning 'devotee of Dionysus'.
Synonyms
Noun 2
dionysius I of Syracuse, called Dionysius the Elder, a 5th–4th century BC tyrant of Syracuse in Sicily.
Dionysius built up the power of Syracuse and fought against Carthage.
Synonyms
Noun 3
saint Dionysius (Denis), a Christian martyr and patron saint associated with Paris and venerated in medieval Europe.
The church was dedicated to Saint Dionysius.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/17 04:37