English Dictionary |
ORPHIC
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Dictionary entry overview: What does Orphic mean?
• ORPHIC (adjective)
The adjective ORPHIC has 2 senses:
1. ascribed to Orpheus or characteristic of ideas in works ascribed to Orpheus
2. having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding
Familiarity information: ORPHIC used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Ascribed to Orpheus or characteristic of ideas in works ascribed to Orpheus
Classified under:
Relational adjectives (pertainyms)
Pertainym:
Orpheus ((Greek mythology) a great musician; when his wife Eurydice died he went to Hades to get her back but failed)
Derivation:
Orpheus ((Greek mythology) a great musician; when his wife Eurydice died he went to Hades to get her back but failed)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding
Synonyms:
mysterious; mystic; mystical; occult; orphic; secret
Context example:
the secret learning of the ancients
Similar:
esoteric (confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle)
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