August has 8 different meanings across 3 categories:
Noun · Adjective · Proper Noun
Alternative form of auguste (“kind of clown”)
"The old circus poster claimed that his new act was nothing more than an August, a joke on everyone who bought tickets."
In plain English: August is the eighth month of the year that comes after July and before September.
"The King and Queen attended the ceremony with great august dignity."
Usage: Do not use "august" to refer to a clown; that is an archaic or alternative spelling of "auguste." In modern English, the word strictly denotes the eighth month of the year.
To make ripe; ripen.
"The warm summer sun helped to august the tomatoes in just a few days."
In plain English: To be august means to show great respect and awe for someone because they are very important or powerful.
"The team will not be able to augment their budget until next quarter."
Usage: Do not use "august" as a verb to mean making something ripe, as this is an archaic or obsolete sense rarely heard today. Instead, reserve the word for its common adjective form describing someone who commands great respect and authority.
Awe-inspiring, majestic, noble, venerable.
"The ancient oak stood as an august sentinel over the quiet forest floor."
In plain English: August describes someone who is full of pride and self-importance, acting as if they are better than everyone else.
"The August sun was so hot that everyone stayed inside."
Usage: Use august to describe someone or something that commands deep respect due to age, dignity, or greatness, such as an august leader or an august tradition. Do not use this word to refer to the month of August, which is always capitalized and never describes a quality.
The eighth month of the Roman, Julian, and Gregorian calendars, following July and preceding September.
"My grandfather's middle name is August, which he chose because it means revered in Latin."
A male given name from Latin.
The word "august" comes from the Latin augustus, meaning majestic or imperial, which itself derives from augeō, to increase or enlarge. It entered English via French as a term for something noble and stately, sharing its origin with the name of the Roman emperor Augustus.