Langimage
English

basilica

|ba/sil/i/ca|

B2

/bəˈsɪlɪkə/

large church or public building

Etymology
Etymology Information

'basilica' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'basilica,' where 'basilikē' meant 'royal' in Greek.

Historical Evolution

'basilica' changed from the Latin word 'basilica' and eventually became the modern English word 'basilica'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'royal building,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'large church or public building'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a large, important church building, often with a long central nave, side aisles, and a semicircular apse.

The basilica was filled with tourists admiring its architecture.

Synonyms

Noun 2

in ancient Rome, a public building used for legal and other civic proceedings, typically rectangular with a central nave and aisles.

The ruins of the Roman basilica still stand in the city center.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/24 19:36