roman

The word "Roman" often brings to mind emperors, soldiers, roads, and a huge empire that once ruled much of Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. Most often, it means something connected with ancient Rome: Roman law, Roman history, Roman architecture, or Roman culture. You might read about Roman soldiers in a history book or notice Roman arches on an old building.

The word can also relate to the city of Rome in general and appears in names such as the Roman Catholic Church. In writing and printing, "roman" has another common meaning: it describes the normal upright style of letters, not the slanted style called italics. It also appears in terms like "Roman alphabet" and "Roman numerals."

The word "Roman" has several closely linked meanings, all tied in some way to Rome. Most often, it describes something connected with ancient Rome or the Roman Empire: Roman emperors, Roman roads, Roman law, Roman art, or Roman mythology. It can also refer more broadly to the city of Rome itself, whether in the ancient world or the modern one. A Roman citizen in history, Roman ruins in Italy, and Roman traditions all fit this main sense.

The word is also common in a few important fixed expressions. "Roman numerals" are the number symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. The "Roman alphabet" means the Latin writing system used in English and many other languages. "Roman Catholic" refers to the largest branch of the Christian Church, centered in Rome and Vatican City. In these uses, the idea of connection to Rome is still at the heart of the meaning.

In printing and typography, "roman" has a special technical sense. It means the regular upright form of letters, as opposed to italic type, which leans to one side. So if a style guide asks for roman type, it means ordinary upright text. This use is very common in publishing, design, and dictionaries.

Less often, the word appears in descriptive phrases such as "Roman nose," meaning a nose with a high, curved bridge. Whether the subject is history, religion, writing, or design, "Roman" usually points back to the long cultural influence of Rome.