Greco-Roman Descriptors Vocabulary

showing indifference to comfort or luxury; austere

“He lived a spartan life in a small cabin.”

Origin: From Sparta, known for its strict military discipline

excessively harsh and severe (usually laws)

“The new security measures were criticized as draconian.”

Origin: From Draco, Athenian legislator with harsh code

subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind

“His mercurial temperament kept everyone on edge.”

Origin: From Mercury, the swift Roman messenger god

slow and gloomy; dark in coloring and moody

“He sat in the corner with a saturnine expression.”

Origin: From the planet Saturn, associated with lead and gloom

enduring pain and hardship without showing feelings

“Her stoic acceptance of the news was impressive.”

Origin: From the Stoic school of philosophy in Athens

using very few words

“His laconic reply was simply 'No'.”

Origin: From Laconia (Sparta), whose people spoke briefly

loud and powerful (of a voice)

“The sergeant shouted orders in a stentorian voice.”

Origin: From Stentor, a herald in the Trojan War