BREAD CIRCUSES Meaning and
Definition
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Bread and circuses is a phrase that originates from ancient Rome and refers to a concept that involves the use of food and entertainment as a means to satisfy and distract the population, thereby ensuring their complacency and preventing social unrest.
The term "bread" alludes to the provision of food or sustenance, specifically used in the context of ensuring that the basic needs of the population are met. In ancient Rome, emperors would distribute grain to citizens in order to maintain their loyalty and prevent uprisings. This aspect of the phrase implies that the ruling class uses the provision of sustenance as a means to control the population and keep them satisfied.
On the other hand, "circuses" refers to the extravagant and entertaining events, such as gladiatorial contests, chariot races, and theatrical performances, which were organized by the emperors to divert the attention of the masses away from the issues and grievances they may have had with the ruling class. By captivating the population with these extravagant spectacles, the political elite sought to distract them from engaging in activities that could potentially lead to social unrest or rebellion.
Overall, the phrase "bread and circuses" encapsulates the idea that those in power can maintain control over the population by providing them with basic necessities and captivating entertainment, thus deflecting their attention from pressing issues and suppressing potential dissent.
Common Misspellings for BREAD CIRCUSES
- vread circuses
- nread circuses
- hread circuses
- gread circuses
- beead circuses
- bdead circuses
- bfead circuses
- btead circuses
- b5ead circuses
- b4ead circuses
- brwad circuses
- brsad circuses
- brdad circuses
- brrad circuses
- br4ad circuses
- br3ad circuses
- brezd circuses
- bresd circuses
- brewd circuses
- breqd circuses
Etymology of BREAD CIRCUSES
The phrase "bread and circuses" originates from ancient Rome and is often attributed to the Roman poet Juvenal. In Latin, the phrase is "panem et circenses".
The word "bread", which is derived from Old English "brēad", has its Indo-European roots in the Proto-Germanic word "brautham". It ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *bʰreuH- meaning "to swell, ferment, or boil", indicating the process of bread rising.
The term "circuses" refers to the entertainment spectacles held in the Roman Circus Maximus, where chariot races, gladiatorial fights, and other shows were exhibited. The word "circus" itself is derived from the Latin word "circus", which means "a ring" or "a circular place".
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