The spelling of the word "Saxon" can be confusing due to the presence of the letter "x." However, it is pronounced as /ˈsæksən/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the "x" being silent. The word refers to a member of a Germanic people, including the Angles and Jutes, that migrated to England in the fifth and sixth centuries. The Saxon period in England has had a significant influence on the country's culture and history, making it an essential part of its heritage.
Saxon, when used as a noun, refers to a member of the ancient Germanic tribes known as Saxons. The Saxons were a group of people who originated in what is present-day Germany and held significant influence during the early medieval period. They were a fierce and warlike people who migrated to various regions, including what is now England, Netherlands, and Northern Germany.
As an adjective, Saxon can be used to describe anything that relates to the Saxons, their language, culture, or historical background. For instance, Saxon architecture pertains to the architectural styles prevalent in regions with Saxon influence, characterized by timber framing, thatched roofs, and distinctive building designs.
In a broader sense, the term Saxon can also be used to describe English people of Anglo-Saxon descent, particularly during the period before the Norman conquest in 1066. As such, the term Saxon may connote a sense of English identity and heritage.
Additionally, in a historical context, Saxon can refer to the Old English language spoken by the Saxons, which eventually evolved into Middle English.
In summary, "Saxon" generally refers to a member of the ancient Germanic tribe known as the Saxons, or anything related to their language, culture, or historical influence.
• One of the people who conquered England in the 5th and 6th centuries; the language.
• Pert. to the Saxons.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "Saxon" derives from the Old English word "Seaxan" which refers to the people of Saxony, an area in present-day Germany. The Saxons were a Germanic tribe who inhabited this region during the early Middle Ages. The term "Saxon" eventually became a general term used to describe the Germanic peoples from that area. Over time, it was also used to refer to the Anglo-Saxons who migrated to and settled in England during the 5th and 6th centuries. The word "Saxon" has been in use for over a thousand years and has evolved to refer to both a historical Germanic tribe and the early English settlers.