spartan: difference between revisions

By analogy with the ancient Spartans, who famously possessed these qualities.

• IPA^(key): /ˈspɑː(ɹ)tən/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

spartan (comparative more spartan, superlative most spartan)

1. Austere, frugal, characterized by self-denial.

   I went on the retreat to the monastery, thinking I would be sleeping in a spartan cell, only to discover a simple but comfortable bedroom.

   • 1960 June, R. C. Riley, “The coastal branches of South-East Devon: Part Two”, in Trains Illustrated, page 337:

     The engine was Class "3" 2-6-2 tank No. 82013, with Driver Sampson (Exmouth), and its roomy draught-free cab was a striking contrast to the spartan comfort offered on the Drummond tank.

   • 2020 August 26, “Network News: Stations investment boosts regeneration, says report”, in Rail, page 17:

     Among its findings, the report says: "In recent years we have seen more stations transformed from run-down Victorian hulks, or spartan bus-sheltered platforms, into places that people can take pride in, feel comfortable in using, and which are fulfilling more of their wider potential.

2. Resolute in the face of danger or adversity.

   The spartan legionaries vowed to fight to the death.

3. Lacking in decoration and luxury.

   After ten years as a fashion designer in the rough-and-tumble Garment District, Eloise left New York for the spartan but serene life of a farmer's wife.

   • 1932, Delos W. Lovelace, King Kong, published 1965, page 4:

     [I]t was furnished with the spartan simplicity which characterizes womanless quarters.

• spartanness

• partans, tarpans, trapans

spartan m (definite singular spartanen, indefinite plural spartanar, definite plural spartanane)

1. (pre-2016) alternative form of spartanar

Borrowed from Latin Spartanus or Italian spartano. By surface analysis, Sparta +‎ -an.

spartan m or n (feminine singular spartană, masculine plural spartani, feminine and neuter plural spartane)

1. Spartan

spartan m (plural spartani)

1. Spartan

From Latin spartanus, equivalent to Sparta +‎ -an.

• Rhymes: -ɑːn

spartan c

1. Spartan, inhabitant of the ancient Greek town of Sparta

• spartansk

• spartan in Svenska Akademiens ordlista (SAOL)
• spartan in Svensk ordbok (SO)
• spartan in Svenska Akademiens ordbok (SAOB)