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Glite Dictionary
Delphian

Delphian

9.9
About the ancient Greek temple at Delphi where people went for oracles
  • adjective
  • /ˈdɛlfiən/
  • Formal
translation icon : delfico
  • Many myths are centered around the Delphian site, which was sacred to Apollo.

Examples

  • The Delphian oracle was renowned for its prophecies.

  • Many ancient Greeks visited the Delphian sanctuary for guidance.

  • Scholars have long debated the meaning of the ancient Delphian prophecies.

  • The Delphian shrine was visited by thousands seeking guidance.

  • The play draws on Delphian legends to create an atmosphere of mystery.

  • The ancient Delphian oracle provided cryptic guidance to those who sought it.

  • Visitors to the Delphian sanctuary often sought the wisdom of Apollo's priestess.

Synonyms

Delphic
vsDelphian
  • Formal
1 9.9

Hard to understand because it is mysterious and sounds like it predicts the future

refers to the ancient Greek sanctuary and its oracle in a literal way

Surface Forms

Delphian positive

Morphology

Delphian = Delphi (transparent) = Delphi + an

Formed by the productive adjectival suffix '-an' attached to the place name 'Delphi', yielding an adjective meaning 'of or relating to Delphi'.

Etymology

Delphian comes from Delphi, the ancient Greek place where the Apollo 'oracle' gave short, often mysterious 'prophecies'. So something described as Delphian relates to Delphi and can mean 'mysterious' or like an old 'oracle' message.