Zoroastrian, adj. & n.

zoroastrian
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zoroastrian_adj%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
Revised 2023

# Zoroastrianadjective & noun

## Earlier version

- Zoroastrian, a. and n. in OED Second Edition (1989)

## Factsheet

### What does the word Zoroastrian mean?

There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the word Zoroastrian. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

### How common is the word Zoroastrian?

About 0.6occurrences per million words in modern written English

1750 | 0.012
1760 | 0.012
1770 | 0.027
1780 | 0.033
1790 | 0.037
1800 | 0.04
1810 | 0.04
1820 | 0.056
1830 | 0.086
1840 | 0.17
1850 | 0.26
1860 | 0.38
1870 | 0.45
1880 | 0.51
1890 | 0.55
1900 | 0.56
1910 | 0.54
1920 | 0.51
1930 | 0.52
1940 | 0.5
1950 | 0.51
1960 | 0.51
1970 | 0.56
1980 | 0.6
1990 | 0.62
2000 | 0.64
2010 | 0.67

### How is the word Zoroastrian pronounced?

#### British English

/ˌzɒrəʊˈastriən/
zorr-oh-ASS-tree-uhn

#### U.S. English

/ˌzɔroʊˈæstriən/
zor-oh-ASS-tree-uhn

### Where does the word Zoroastrian come from?

Earliest known use

late 1500s

The earliest known use of the word Zoroastrian is in the late 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for Zoroastrian is from 1597, in a translation by H. M.

Zoroastrian is of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly from a proper name, combined with an English element.

Etymons: French Zoroastrien; proper name Zoroaster, ‑ian suffix.

### Nearby entries

1. zopilote, n. 1787–
2. zopissa, n. 1601–
3. zoppa, adj. 1740–
4. Zoque, n. 1891–
5. Zoque–Mixe, adj. & n. 1893–
6. Zorb, n. 1996–
7. zorbing, n. 1996–
8. zorgite, n. 1852–
9. zori, n.?1823–
10. zoril, n. 1774–
11. Zoroastrian, adj. & n.1597–
12. Zoroastrianism, n. 1832–
13. Zoroastrianize, v. 1891–
14. Zoroastric, adj. a1739–
15. Zoroastrism, n. 1819–
16. zorrino, n. 1885–
17. zorro, n. 1838–
18. zos-grass, n. 1937–
19. zoster, n. 1601–
20. zostera, n. 1819–
21. zosterops, n. 1867–

## Etymology

### Summary

Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly from a proper name, combined with an English element.
Etymons: French Zoroastrien; proper name Zoroaster, ‑ian suffix.
Originally < Middle French, French Zoroastrien, adjective (1595 in the passage translated in quot. 1597, or earlier), and noun (1697 or earlier) < Zoroastre, the name in French of Zoroaster (see…
Originally < Middle French, French Zoroastrien, adjective (1595 in the passage translated in quot. 1597, or earlier), and noun (1697 or earlier) < Zoroastre, the name in French of Zoroaster (see below) + ‑ien ‑ian suffix.

In later use < the name of Zoroaster (classical Latin Zōroastrēs < Hellenistic Greek Ζωροάστρης: see note) + ‑ian suffix.

With use as noun compare earlier Parsee n.

### Notes

The Greek name Ζωροάστρης apparently reflects an interpretation of the Avestan name Zaraθuštra (compare Zarathustrian adj.), substituting ancient Greek ζωρός ‘undiluted’ and ἄστρον star (see astro- comb. form 1) for similar-sounding elements of the Avestan name (which is itself of uncertain and disputed origin). In English use, the name is attested from the Middle English period onwards, initially as Zoroastes.
Compare post-classical Latin Zoroastreus, adjective (early 5th cent.).
With the β forms compare ‑an suffix.
With the γ forms compare ‑ean suffix.

## Meaning & use

1. adjective
   1. 1597–
      Of, relating to, or characteristic of Zoroastrianism or its followers; designating a follower or adherent of Zoroastrianism.
      1. 1597

         > This is that Zoroastrien & Bactrien science [French ceste science Zoroastrienne, & Bactrienne], that of Balaam, & some others in my opinion, which hath succeeded vnto so many Arabian Astrologians.

         H. M., translation of J. Du Bec-Crispin, Hist. Tamerlan 2
      2. 1662

         > The Zoroastrian Oracles mention reductive Angels, which reduce Souls to them, drawing them from several things.

         T. Stanley, History of Chaldaick Philosophy 25
      3. 1795

         > The..heresy of Manes, which was compounded out of the ancient Zoroastrian or Magian superstition, and certain perverted doctrines of Christianity.

         T. Maurice, History of Hindostan (1820) vol. II. iv. iii. 249
      4. 1892

         > There appears to be a distinct polemical element in the earliest Zoroastrian Hymns.

         B. F. Westcott, Gospel of Life 172
      5. 1968

         > In the Arab period Iranian Zoroastrian writers turned to new alphabets and attempted to use them for writing down Middle Persian texts phonetically.

         P. van Popta-Hope, translation of J. Rypka, Hist. Iranian Literature 34
      6. 1999

         > The Christian and Muslim concept of angels, she liked to boast, was ‘derived’ from these Zoroastrian originals.

         S. Rushdie, Ground beneath her Feet (2000) ii. 24
      7. 2012

         > This is the time of year when Iranians prepare for the most important holiday of the Persian calendar, Nowruz, the ancient Zoroastrian festival marking the spring equinox.

         Guardian 25 February 27/1
      religion
      1. Zoroastrian 1597–
         Of, relating to, or characteristic of Zoroastrianism or its followers; designating a follower or adherent of Zoroastrianism.
      2. Guebrish 1687
         Belonging to the Guebres.
      3. Zoroastric a1739–
         = Zoroastrian, adj.
      4. Persian 1776–
         Of or relating to Zoroastrianism. Cf. Parsee, adj. Now rare.
      5. Zarathustric 1848–
         Zoroastrian. Cf. Zarathustrian, adj. A.1.
      6. Mazdaean 1855–
         Zoroastrian.
      7. Zarathustrian 1859–
         Of, relating to, or characteristic of Zoroastrianism or its followers; designating a follower or adherent of Zoroastrianism; = Zoroastrian, adj.…
      View in Historical Thesaurus
2. noun
   1. 1734–
      A follower or adherent of Zoroastrianism.
      1. 1734

         > The question is how to resist the Zoroastrian when he shall attack in his turn, and shall labour to prove that sin and its consequences are not consistent with the idea of one infinitely perfect and holy Being.

         P. des Maizeaux, Life of Mr Bayle p. cvi in Bayle's Hist. Crit. Dictionary (ed. 2) vol. I.
      2. 1811

         > I would sooner be a Paulician, Manichean, Spinozist, Gentile, Pyrrhonian, Zoroastrian, than one of the seventy-two villainous sects who are tearing each other to pieces for the love of the Lord.

         Lord Byron, Letter 3 September (1973) vol. II. 89
      3. 1864

         > The doctrine of the Resurrection..was not known to the Zoroastrians until after the Christian era.

         E. B. Pusey, Daniel 492
      4. 1954

         > The cloth merchants, or bazzāz, had among their members Muslims, Jews, and Zoroastrians.

         A. K. S. Lambton in L. E. Sweet, Peoples & Cultures of Middle East (1970) vol. I. 92
      5. 2018

         > There are fewer than 5,000 Zoroastrians in Britain.., but the government said the community's contribution to both world wars ‘greatly exceeded their small size’.

         Times 17 October 25/3
      religion
      1. Persian 1613–1845
         An adherent of Zoroastrianism. Cf. Parsee, n. A.1. Obsolete.
      2. Parsee 1625–
         An adherent of Zoroastrianism; spec. a descendant of the Zoroastrian Persians who fled to India after the Islamic conquest of Persia to escape…
      3. fire-worshipper 1638–
         A Zoroastrian, a Parsee.
      4. Guebre 1687–
         An adherent of the ancient Persian religion; a Zoroastrian, fire-worshipper, Parsee.
      5. Zoroastrian 1734–
         A follower or adherent of Zoroastrianism.
      6. mobed 1815–
         A Zoroastrian priest; esp. one who is a Parsee. Also used as a title.
      7. Zend 1819–
         An adherent of Zoroastrianism; a Zoroastrian. Chiefly in plural. Now rare.
      8. Zarathustrian 1871–
         A follower or adherent of Zoroastrianism; = Zoroastrian, n.
      9. Mazdaean 1881–
         A Zoroastrian.
      10. Mazdaist 1920–
          A Zoroastrian.
      View in Historical Thesaurus

## Pronunciation

### British English

/ˌzɒrəʊˈastriən/
zorr-oh-ASS-tree-uhn

### U.S. English

/ˌzɔroʊˈæstriən/
zor-oh-ASS-tree-uhn

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛtl/ but /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye*
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

* /d/ also represents a 'tapped' /t/ as in

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛd(ə)l/ but /ˈpɛdl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- ifleece, happy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- ætrap, bath
- ɑlot, palm, cloth, thought
- ɑrstart
- ɔcloth, thought
- ɔrnorth, force
- ʊfoot
- ugoose
- əstrut, comma
- ərnurse, letter
- ɪ(ə)rnear
- ɛ(ə)rsquare
- ʊ(ə)rcure
- eɪface
- aɪpride
- aʊmouth
- oʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ɑ̃gratin
- æ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.

##### Consonants

b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values

- gguy
- jjay
- yyore
- chchore
- khloch
- shshore
- ththaw
- dhthee
- zhbeige

##### Vowels

- atrap
- ahpalm
- airsquare
- arstart
- arrcarry (British only)
- awthought
- ayface
- a(ng)gratin
- edress
- eefleece
- eerdeer
- errmerry
- ikit
- ighpride
- irrmirror
- olot (British only)
- ohgoat
- oogoose
- oorcure
- orforce
- orrsorry (British only)
- owmouth
- oyvoice
- o(ng)salon
- ustrut
- uhletter
- urnurse
- urrhurry
- uufoot

## Forms

### Variant forms

##### α.

1. 1500s
   Zoroastrien
2. 1600s–
   Zoroastrian

##### β.

1. 1700s–
   Zoroastran (rare)

##### γ.

1. 1700s–
   Zoroastrean

## Frequency

Zoroastrian typically occurs about 0.6 times per million words in modern written English.

Zoroastrian is in frequency band 4, which contains words occurring between 0.1 and 1 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

### Frequency of Zoroastrian, adj. & n., 1750–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.

Decade | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
1750 | 0.012
1760 | 0.012
1770 | 0.027
1780 | 0.033
1790 | 0.037
1800 | 0.04
1810 | 0.04
1820 | 0.056
1830 | 0.086
1840 | 0.17
1850 | 0.26
1860 | 0.38
1870 | 0.45
1880 | 0.51
1890 | 0.55
1900 | 0.56
1910 | 0.54
1920 | 0.51
1930 | 0.52
1940 | 0.5
1950 | 0.51
1960 | 0.51
1970 | 0.56
1980 | 0.6
1990 | 0.62
2000 | 0.64
2010 | 0.67

### Frequency of Zoroastrian, adj. & n., 2017–2024

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the corpus.

Period | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
2017 | 0.025
2018 | 0.021
2019 | 0.019
2020 | 0.015
2021 | 0.013
2022 | 0.012
2023 | 0.013
2024 | 0.014

## Compounds & derived words

Sort by

1. Zoroastrianism, n. 1832–
   A religious system originating in ancient Persia…

1. Zoroastrianize, v. 1891–
   transitive to make (someone or something)…

Zoroastrian, adj. & n. was revised in March 2023.

Zoroastrian, adj. & n. was last modified in September 2024.