Adam

[ad-uhm, a-dahn]

noun

1. the name of the first man, according to the Bible: husband of Eve and progenitor of the human race.

2. Adolphe Charles 1803–56, French composer of comic opera and ballet music.

3. James, 1730–94, and his brother Robert, 1728–92, English architects and furniture designers.

4. Lambert Sigisbert 1700–59, and his brother Nicholas Sébastien 1705–78, French sculptors.

5. a first name.

adjective

1. of or relating to the style of architecture, decoration, or furnishings associated with Robert and James Adam, characterized by free adaptation of ancient Roman forms and interiors treated with delicate ornament generally painted in light, vivid colors.

Adam

¹

/ ˈædəm /

noun

1. Old Testament the first man, created by God: the progenitor of the human race (Genesis 2–3)

2. to have no knowledge of or acquaintance with someone

3. the evil supposedly inherent in human nature

Adam

²

noun

1. Adolphe. 1803–56, French composer, best known for his romantic ballet Giselle (1841)

2. Robert. 1728–92, Scottish architect and furniture designer. Assisted by his brother, James, 1730–94, he emulated the harmony of classical and Italian Renaissance architecture

adjective

1. in the neoclassical style made popular by Robert Adam

Word History and Origins

Origin of Adam¹

From the Hebrew word ādhām literally, “man”

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. not know from Adam, to be unacquainted with.

   He says hello to us every morning, but we don't know him from Adam.

2. the old Adam, the natural tendency toward sin.

   He attributed his wild outburst to the old Adam in him.

see not know from Adam.

Example Sentences

Current commissioner Adam Silver is just as adamant as Stern when it comes to enforcing salary cap rules, although the current CBA limits punishment.

From Los Angeles Times

After her first feature “I Like Movies,” premiered at the festival in 2022, it eventually made its way to the attention of Adam Sandler.

From Los Angeles Times

Soon after completing his shipping container house, Uyeda began having conversations with his now business partner Adam Wininger about how the rise of Airbnb was converting desperately needed housing in the desert to vacation rentals.

From Los Angeles Times

Adam Carruthers and Daniel Graham sparked global outrage when they filmed themselves felling it with a chainsaw in the early hours of 28 September 2023.

From BBC

Adam Sadinsky, one of the family's Canadian lawyers, said Canada has an opportunity to allow this family to be reunited.

From BBC