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Glite Dictionary
Ariadne

Ariadne

2 9.3
Person in Greek myth who gives Theseus a thread to escape the Minotaur's maze
  • proper noun
  • /ˌɛəriˈædni/
  • Literature
: Ariadna
  • The story of Ariadne often highlights her intelligence and bravery in aiding Theseus's escape.
  • Ariadne and Theseus
  • Ariadne's thread

Examples

  • The Magus had, in all senses, led the reader on into mystery and myth, as if playing Ariadne's thread out into a labyrinth.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The fact that we see Dionysus in this state and also on the lap of Ariadne is interesting.

  • Ah, as in Ariadne from Greek mythology?

    Doctor Jekyll (2023)

  • "You are here" also marks a spot that, like Ariadne's thread, leads you safely out of the labyrinth.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Fearing her father's anger, Ariadne leaves with the Athenians. SCENE 7 THE ISLAND OF NAXOS

    Academic text (2011)

  • A Ariadne is known for helping Theseus find his way out of the labyrinth using a thread.

  • In Greek mythology, Ariadne fell in love with Theseus and provided him with a way to defeat the Minotaur.

Surface Forms

Ariadne main

Etymology

Ariadne comes from old Greek parts ari- meaning 'most' and -adnē meaning 'holy', so the name meant 'very holy'. In the myth, Ariadne gives Theseus a thread to find his way out of the labyrinth, and thinking of her as 'very holy' helps you remember her special guiding role.