Fabian
English
Alternative forms
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈfeɪbi.ən/
Adjective
Fabian (comparative more Fabian, superlative most Fabian)
- Pertaining to or reminiscent of Roman general Fabius Maximus, whose tactics against Hannibal during the Second Punic War famously consisted of delaying or avoiding combat, focusing instead on weakening the enemy by cutting off supply lines.
- 1988, James McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom, Oxford, published 2004, page 745:
- Hood complained behind his commander's back to Richmond of Johnston's Fabian strategy.
-
- Advocating that social reforms be reached through a series of gradual and moderate stages rather than sudden revolution; specifically, relating to the Fabian Society, a British socialist society advocating reformist socialism.
- (by extension) cautious; dilatory; avoiding a decisive contest.
Noun
Fabian (plural Fabians)
- A Fabian socialist, a gradualist socialist; a member of the Fabian Society.
- Synonyms: gradualist, reformist, social democrat
Related terms
Faroese
Usage notes
- son of Fabian: Fabiansson
- daughter of Fabian: Fabiansdóttir
Declension
Singular | |
Indefinite | |
Nominative | Fabian |
Accusative | Fabian |
Dative | Fabiani |
Genitive | Fabians |
German
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin Fabianus (“belonging to Fabius”).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈfaːbian/
Audio (file)
Polish
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin Fabianus (“belonging to Fabius”).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈfa.bʲan/
Audio (file)
Declension
Swedish
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