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Glite Dictionary
Pygmalion word

Pygmalion word

9.9
A word or short phrase that makes someone feel stronger and want to change
  • noun
  • /ˈpɪɡmeɪliən wɜrd/
translation icon : palabra Pygmalión
  • Her mentor's encouragement became a Pygmalion word that motivated lasting change in her life.

Examples

  • A single Pygmalion word from a respected leader can inspire an entire team to excel.

  • Her mentor's praise was a true Pygmalion word for her.

  • He searched for a Pygmalion word to help his friend regain her self-confidence.

  • Can you think of a Pygmalion word that changed your life?

  • A single Pygmalion word from a respected leader can inspire an entire team to excel.

  • He searched for a Pygmalion word to help his friend regain her self-confidence.

  • Her mentor's encouragement became a Pygmalion word that motivated lasting change in her life.

Surface Forms

Pygmalion word singular
Pygmalion words plural

Morphology

Pygmalion + word

The meaning relies on a cultural/mythological reference: Pygmalion evokes transformation of a statue into a person, so the compound metaphorically denotes words that inspire change. A B1 learner who knows the literal constituents might get a vague sense of transformation, but mapping from 'Pygmalion' to the specific idea of inspirational influence requires figurative or cultural knowledge, making the relation partially but not fully predictable.

Etymology

Pygmalion word may come from the old story about Pygmalion, a man who made a statue and whose wish and belief made it come to life. So a Pygmalion word means a word that can 'inspire' or 'change' someone by helping them believe in themselves.