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Glite Dictionary
apocalyptical

apocalyptical

9.4
Describing a future with great destruction and the end of the world
  • adjective
  • /əˌpɑːkəˈlɪptɪkəl/
translation icon : apocalíptico
  • The film's apocalyptical themes left the audience reeling, as it portrayed a grim future with devastating consequences.

Examples

  • Many ancient texts contain apocalyptical visions about the end of the world and the fate of humanity.

  • In 1793, and later editions, the book Apocalyptical Key.

    Blog text (30)

  • The scientist wrote an apocalyptical novel that depicted the destruction of civilization due to climate change.

Synonyms

catastrophic
vsapocalyptical
144 7.0

Causing very great damage or harm

implies end-of-world scale and prophecy rather than just severe harm
apocalyptic
vsapocalyptical
61 8.6

Relating to great damage and chaos like the end of the world

emphasises prediction and prophetic sense of looming doom
cataclysmic
vsapocalyptical
22 9.1

Causing sudden very great damage to people, buildings or land

focuses on foretelling widespread doom rather than on causing the event
portentous
vsapocalyptical
  • Formal
4 8.6

A strong sign that something important or bad will happen

describes predicted worldwide destruction rather than just signaling danger
eschatological
vsapocalyptical
  • Formal
3 9.9

Describes ideas about the end of the world and people's final destiny, often in religion

is used more broadly outside theology or philosophy
cataclysmal
vsapocalyptical
9.9

Causing very large, sudden destruction that changes a place

places stress on prediction and the idea of ultimate doom

How Catastrophic

apocalyptical
9.4
alarming
94 3.7
ominous
96 6.4

Surface Forms

apocalyptical positive

Morphology

apocalyptical = apocalyptic (transparent) = apocalyptic + al

Formed as a variant of 'apocalyptic' by adding the productive adjectival suffix '-al'; learners familiar with 'apocalyptic' will infer the meaning.

Etymology

Apocalyptical comes from the Greek apokalypsis, made of apo- 'away' and kalyptō 'to cover', so it originally meant an 'uncovering' or 'reveal'. So apocalyptical is used for visions or warnings that 'uncover' terrible events, which is why it now describes things that predict great destruction or the end of the world.