ADONIC Meaning and
Definition
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Adonic is an adjective that refers to a specific metrical pattern in poetry or verse, associated with ancient Greek lyric poetry. Derived from the Greek “Adonis,” a handsome youth in Greek mythology, this term originally referred to a type of poetic verse used in Adonis songs, which were elegiac or mournful in nature, expressing a sense of longing or loss.
The adonic meter consists of a dactyl (a stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables) followed by a trochee (a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable). The resulting pattern creates a rhythm that is characterized by its elegance and grace, often evoking a sense of beauty and sadness.
This metrical pattern was commonly used by Greek poets, such as Sappho and Anacreon, in their odes and lyrical compositions. Over time, the term adonic expanded to include any verse or line of poetry that follows this specific metrical structure, regardless of its thematic content.
In contemporary usage, adonic may also refer to anything that resembles the qualities of elegance, grace, or beauty associated with the ancient Greek adonic meter. It can be used figuratively to describe a person, object, or literary work that has a refined or aesthetically pleasing quality, suggesting a sense of harmony or balance.
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• Pert. to a certain kind of verse.
• A poetical verse consisting of a dactyl and a spondee or trochee.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ADONIC
- zdonic
- sdonic
- wdonic
- qdonic
- asonic
- axonic
- afonic
- aeonic
- adknic
- adlnic
- adpnic
- ad0nic
- ad9nic
- adobic
- adomic
- adojic
- adohic
- adonuc
- adonjc
Etymology of ADONIC
The etymology of the word "adonic" can be traced back to the Greek word "Adōnis" (Ἄδωνις). Adōnis was a handsome young man in Greek mythology who was associated with beauty and desire. The word "Adōnis" eventually came to represent a type of poetic meter or verse known as the "Adonic line". This poetic form consisted of a dactyl (a long syllable followed by two short syllables) followed by a spondee (two long syllables), creating a rhythmic pattern often used in Greek and later Latin poetry. Over time, the term "Adonic" came to be used more broadly to describe anything related to this specific poetic meter.
Similar spelling words for ADONIC
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