patrician

Everyday

1. noun: In ancient Rome, a member of the old, rich and noble families. tree →
2. noun: A rich, upper-class person. tree →
3. adjective: Belonging to or like the upper class; proud and elegant in manner. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons on Ancient Rome, patricians were the noble families and plebeians were the ordinary people; at first only patricians could hold top jobs. In descriptions, a patrician face or voice looks or sounds upper-class.

Examples

• In Ancient Rome, patricians were rich landowners. tree →
• The plebeians argued with the patricians for more rights. tree →
• He spoke with a patrician voice. tree →
• The patrician family owned a huge villa. tree →
• A patrician wore a toga with a purple stripe. tree →
• The old lady had a patrician air about her. tree →
• "The Psyche must be executed in marble," said the wealthy patrician. tree →

Note

Countable noun and adjective. Opposite in Rome: plebeian (pleb). Pronounced "puh-TRISH-un". Not connected with the name Patrick in meaning, though both come from Latin "pater" (father).