Vocabulary Spotlight
Centurion
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: An officer in the ancient Roman army, commanding a unit of around 100 soldiers.
“The centurion led his troops with discipline and unwavering determination.”
Pronunciation
[sen-choor-ee-uhn]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Leader
Officer
Captain
Chief
Antonyms
Follower
Subordinate
Civilian
Recruit
Related Words
Centuria
Roman army
Word Origin
“Centurion” comes from the Latin word “centurio,” meaning a commander of a hundred. Centurions played key roles in maintaining order, discipline, and command within the Roman legions, acting as crucial middle-ranking officers in battle and administration.
Word Family
Noun: Centurion – A commander in the Roman army.
Related Term: Century – Originally referred to a unit of 100 soldiers.
Mnemonics
Think “Centurion” as “Century leader”—a leader responsible for a century (100 soldiers).
Link “Centurion” to “Cent” (100) to remember their command of around 100 troops.
Industry-specific Usage
History
Centurions are studied as significant figures in Roman military history, known for their leadership and discipline.
Military
In a broader military context, “centurion” is sometimes used metaphorically to describe strong leaders or officers with command responsibilities.
Popular Culture
Centurions often appear in films, books, and games that focus on Roman history, highlighting their importance in the legions.
In Context
The centurion represented both the power and structure of the Roman military machine. As seasoned officers, they were tasked with leading troops into battle, enforcing discipline, and managing day-to-day logistics, embodying Roman military might and discipline.