Apollonian
|a-pol-lo-ni-an|
🇺🇸
/ˌæpəˈloʊniən/
🇬🇧
/ˌæpəˈləʊniən/
order; rationality
Etymology
'Apollonian' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the name 'Apóllōn' (Greek Ἀπόλλων), where the name referred to the god Apollo.
'Apollonian' changed from Latin/Medieval Latin 'Apollōnius' (meaning 'of Apollo') and entered English via Medieval and Modern Latin and later borrowings into English, becoming the modern adjective 'Apollonian'.
Initially, it meant 'of or relating to Apollo', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'characterized by order, harmony, and rationality'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who embodies Apollonian qualities — calm, rational, orderly, and restrained.
He was an Apollonian among his more impulsive friends.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
relating to the god Apollo; figuratively, characterized by order, harmony, clarity, restraint, and rationality (often contrasted with 'Dionysian' in Nietzschean usage).
The architect's Apollonian designs emphasized symmetry and restraint.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/12 04:41