What does august mean?
August is a formal adjective describing something that inspires deep respect or reverence through its dignity, grandeur, or venerable character. It most often appears before nouns denoting institutions, gatherings, or people of established authority — an august body, an august assembly, an august presence — conveying not merely importance but a weighty, almost ceremonial solemnity. A judge, an ancient university, or a long-standing council might all be described as august. The word derives from Latin augustus, meaning 'venerable' or 'consecrated', the epithet adopted by Rome's first emperor; it entered English in the seventeenth century. In everyday conversation it can sound stilted or even tongue-in-cheek, so writers reserve it for contexts where elevated diction is welcome. It should not be confused with the month August, which shares the same origin but functions as a proper noun.
adjectiveInspiring reverence or admiration; dignified and imposing in a majestic or venerable way.
- Marked by dignity, grandeur, or reverence; inspiring awe or respect through majesty or venerable authority.
"The supreme court occupies an august position at the summit of the nation's judicial system."
"She addressed the august assembly with a poise that belied her youth."
"The university's august traditions stretch back more than five centuries."
The adjective 'august' traces back to Augustus, Rome's first emperor — so when you call a body 'august,' you are literally comparing it to an emperor whose very title meant 'the illustrious one.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of august
August comes from Latin augustus, meaning 'venerable, majestic, consecrated', a term connected to augere ('to increase') and possibly to the religious practice of augury. Octavian adopted Augustus as his honorific title in 27 BC upon becoming Rome's first emperor, and the word passed into Old French before entering English in the early seventeenth century as an adjective for things worthy of reverence. Cognate derivatives include inaugurate, from the same root concerning consecration and divination.
How august is actually used
Formal register; typically used attributively before nouns such as 'body,' 'assembly,' 'institution,' 'company,' 'occasion,' 'personage,' or 'presence.' It carries a tone of respectful admiration rather than mere bigness or power, and can sound slightly ironic or mock-solemn in casual speech.
Easily confused with august
Lowercase 'august' is an adjective meaning majestic or venerable, while capitalized 'August' is the eighth month of the year.