Vocabulary Spotlight
Daimios
Part of Speech: Noun (plural)
Definition: Powerful Japanese feudal lords who ruled most of Japan from the 10th to the 19th century.
“The daimios held significant influence and controlled vast regions of Japan.”
Pronunciation
[ˈdai-mē-ōz]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Rulers
Nobles
Feudal chiefs
Provincial governors
Antonyms
Peasants
Subjects
Related Words
Shogun (noun)
Feudalism (noun)
Word Origin
The term “daimio” derives from the Japanese words “dai” (large) and “myō” (name or title). Daimios were prominent lords in Japanese feudal society, who governed regions and wielded significant military and economic power until the Meiji Restoration.
Word Family
Singular Noun: Daimio – A Japanese feudal lord.
Related Noun: Daimiate – The estate or domain governed by a daimio.
Mnemonics
Remember “Daimios” by associating it with “dai” meaning “big” and “mio” for “lord” – thus big lords of Japanese feudal regions.
Industry-specific Usage
History
In historical contexts, daimios were prominent figures of Japan’s feudal structure, commanding armies and maintaining regional control.
Literature
In literature, daimios often represent the traditional power structure and conflict in historical novels about Japan’s feudal era.
Japanese Studies
In Japanese studies, the role of daimios is central to understanding Japan’s social hierarchy before the modernization efforts of the Meiji Restoration.
In Context
Daimios held great power in feudal Japan, often engaging in political alliances and battles for territory. Their influence extended over the local samurai, who served them in exchange for land or privileges. Today, daimios are an essential aspect of historical studies on Japan, as their governance shaped the social, economic, and cultural landscape of pre-modern Japan.