Ate

1 9.9

A goddess in Greek stories who makes people act foolishly and face bad consequences

proper noun

Literature

: Ate

Evermeet can no longer be reached through the Synnorian Gate. "So much corruption, such evil... and our islands are so small," observed Ate'Niah after a somber pause.

Examples

If so, we ought to set up shrines to Ate, the Greek goddess of illusion.

Academic text (1995)
This figure is low, considering that in the entire Ate-Vitarte district, where Huaycan is situated, evangelicals are about 6 percent of the population.

Academic text (1999)
In Greek mythology, Ate is the goddess who leads mortals to madness and destruction.
The ancient Greeks believed that invoking Ate could result in foolish decisions and dire consequences.
Stories of Ate often serve as warnings against reckless behavior and the pitfalls of hubris.

Idioms

the cat that ate the canary

Informal

1 9.2

A person who looks very pleased because they have a secret success

to grin like the cat that ate the canary

Informal

8.8

To smile in a proud, secret way because you feel pleased with yourself

Surface Forms

Ate main

Etymology

Ate comes from the old Greek name Atē, which means 'ruin' or 'delusion'. In myths she is the goddess who makes people do foolish actions and brings their downfall, so the name explains her role as the spirit of rash acts and punishment.