What does Gothic mean?

“Gothic” is a proper adjective with several meanings, depending on the context:

  • In history, it means “of or relating to the Goths,” an ancient Germanic people (e.g., “Gothic raids in Roman territory”).
  • In architecture, it refers to a medieval European style characterized by arches, vaults, and flying buttresses (e.g., “a Gothic cathedral”).
  • In literature, it refers to a genre marked by mystery, horror, and supernatural elements (e.g., “Frankenstein is a Gothic novel”).

QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker can make sure you use “Gothic” correctly.