spartan

Everyday

1. (history) A Spartan was a person from Sparta, a city in ancient Greece famous for its tough soldiers and strict training. tree →
2. adjective (lower case): Very simple and plain, without comfort or decoration: a spartan room. tree →
3. adjective: Strict, tough and self-disciplined. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons about ancient Greece, Sparta and Athens are compared: Spartan boys trained as soldiers from age 7; the Battle of Thermopylae (300 Spartans). In everyday life, «spartan» describes a very plain room, meal or lifestyle. Sports teams often call themselves «the Spartans». Phrases: «a spartan room», «spartan lifestyle», «Spartan warriors», «Spartan race».

Examples

• Spartan boys left home at seven to train as soldiers. tree →
• The Spartans fought bravely at Thermopylae. tree →
• The hostel room was spartan, with just a bed and a chair. tree →
• Grandad lives a spartan life — no TV and cold showers. tree →
• Athens and Sparta were rivals in ancient Greece. tree →
• Our school team is called the Spartans. tree →
• But when the sun went down, there was not one Spartan left alive. tree →

Note

Capital S for the people of Sparta; small s for the «plain, simple» meaning. Myth: films show Spartans as heroes, but Sparta also kept most people in its land as slaves (helots).