What does "vulgarian" mean?
A vulgar individual, especially one who emphasizes or is oblivious to his or her vulgar qualities.
Vulgarian
/vʌlˈɡɛəɹi.ən/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A vulgar individual, especially one who emphasizes or is oblivious to his or her vulgar qualities.
- Grammar: vulgarian is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: arriviste, babbitt, boor, boor.
- Useful contrasts: brummel, cultured person, sophisticate.
- Usage evidence: He was by this time on the deck, but he had the art to be quite unapproachable; the friendliest vulgarian, three parts drunk, would have known better than take liberties...
How to use "vulgarian"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "vulgarian" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "vulgarian" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "vulgarian" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "vulgarian" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "arriviste" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "vulgarian", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A vulgar individual, especially one who emphasizes or is oblivious to his or her vulgar qualities.
"He was by this time on the deck, but he had the art to be quite unapproachable; the friendliest vulgarian, three parts drunk, would have known better than take liberties..."
- 2 a vulgar person (especially someone who makes a vulgar display of wealth) wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Having the characteristics of a vulgarian, vulgar.
"Your vulgarian friend is downstairs, denting innocent people's fenders."
Antonyms
Example
"He was by this time on the deck, but he had the art to be quite unapproachable; the friendliest vulgarian, three parts drunk, would have known better than take liberties..."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "vulgarian"?
Common synonyms include: arriviste, babbitt, boor, boor, bounder, bourgeois.
How do you use "vulgarian" in a sentence?
He was by this time on the deck, but he had the art to be quite unapproachable; the friendliest vulgarian, three parts drunk, would have known better than take liberties...
How do you pronounce "vulgarian"?
Pronounced /vʌlˈɡɛəɹi.ən/.
Etymology
From vulgar + -ian. Compare Late Latin vulgārius, Latin vulgāris.