Meaning & use
Gustavus
Last updated
Meanings
proper nounproper
A Latinized form of the name Gustav, borne by several Swedish kings, most famously Gustavus Adolphus.
Grammar: Always capitalized: King Gustavus.
Patterns
- Gustavus Adolphus
Gustavus Adolphus led Sweden during the Thirty Years' War.
The history book spells the king's name Gustavus.
A statue of Gustavus stands in the town square.
proper nounproperold-fashioned
A masculine given name used in English-speaking countries, mostly in the past.
Grammar: Usually shortened to Gus.
His grandfather was named Gustavus after a Swedish friend.
The boy, Gustavus, was always called Gus.
In the novel, Gustavus is a quiet clerk.
Common combinations
- Gustavus Adolphus
- Gustavus Adolphus was known as the Lion of the North.
- King Gustavus
- King Gustavus died on the battlefield.
- Gustavus Vasa
- Gustavus Vasa founded the modern Swedish state.
- Gustavus College
- She studied at Gustavus College.
Synonyms and how they differ
- Gustav
- Gustav is the modern Swedish form of the same name, while Gustavus is the older Latin form.
- Gus
- Gus is a short, friendly nickname rather than a formal version.
Word family
- Gustav proper noun
- the Swedish and German form of the name
- Gustaf proper noun
- another Swedish spelling
- Gus proper noun
- short form of the name
Commonly confused: Gustavus or Augustus?
Gustavus vs Augustus
Augustus is a Roman emperor's name; the two names look alike but have different origins.
Practice
Which Swedish king is usually called Gustavus Adolphus in English history books?
Choose one answer.
Gustavus Adolphus was a Swedish king in the 17th century. The other options belong to different countries and times.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “Gustavus”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.