praenomen

or pre·no·men

[ pree-noh-muhn ]

noun

, plural prae·nom·i·na [pree-, nom, -, uh, -n, uh, -, noh, -m, uh, -], prae·no·mens.

1. the first or personal name of a Roman citizen, as “Gaius” in “Gaius Julius Caesar.”

praenomen

/ priːˈnəʊmɛn; priːˈnɒmɪnəl /

noun

1. an ancient Roman's first or given name See also agnomen cognomen nomen

Derived Forms

• praenominal, adjective
• praeˈnominally, adverb

Other Words From

• prae·nom·i·nal [pree-, nom, -, uh, -nl], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of praenomen¹

1655–65; < Latin praenōmen, equivalent to prae- prae- + nōmen name

Word History and Origins

Origin of praenomen¹

C18: from Latin, from prae- before + nōmen name

Example Sentences

As an abbreviation it is used in Latin for the praenomen Decimus, and under the empire for the title Divus of certain deceased emperors.

From Project Gutenberg

The much less important, but still more disputed question as to his 'praenomen,' appears now to be conclusively settled, in accordance with the evidence of Jerome and Apuleius, in favour of Gaius, and against Quintus.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally it is of considerable historical importance to observe that a great mass of the praenomina used for this purpose are clearly of Italic origin, e.g.

From Project Gutenberg

But the praenomen Q. is omitted in the best MSS., and in other passages of the same author the poet is spoken of as “Catullus Veronensis.”

From Project Gutenberg

Augustus made a two-fold use of the term; as a permanent praenomen, and as a title of honor assumed upon the occasion of victories won by his officers.

From Project Gutenberg