august

august — noun

1. the calendar month that follows July and comes before September

1.nounA1
Definition

the calendar month that follows July and comes before September

Example

School starts again in August in many towns.

pattern: in August

My cousins visit Tainan every August for Grandma's birthday.

pattern: every August

Common collocations
  • in August
  • every August
  • early August
  • late August

Grammar Patterns

in August

last August

early August

Usage Note

Normally used with in, during, early, mid-, and late. In English, month names are capitalized.

Common Mistakes

We travel on August.
We travel in August.
use in with months.
My birthday is in august.
My birthday is in August.
month names begin with a capital letter in English.

august — adjective

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

For this sense, august is the most elevated and literary choice. It suggests dignity linked with high rank, public importance, or a grand setting. Dignified is broader and more common; it can describe a person who stays calm and worthy without sounding lofty. Stately is often used for movement, buildings, or appearance, especially when something looks graceful and grand. Imposing focuses on the strong effect something has on other people and can sometimes hint at intimidation. An august court may feel noble and ceremonial. A dignified teacher may simply remain calm under pressure. A stately house looks grand from the street, while an imposing guard may make visitors feel small.

august ↗dignifiedstatelyimposing

Etymology

LatinEnglish

The adjective august comes from Latin augustus, a word for something venerable, grand, or worthy of honor. The month name August was later taken from the Roman emperor Augustus, whose title came from that same Latin word. So the month and the adjective look the same in modern English, but the month name comes through the emperor's name.