Pyrrhic
|Pyr-rhic|
C1
/ˈpɪrɪk/
costly victory
Etymology
Etymology Information
'Pyrrhic' originates from Greek, specifically the name 'Pyrrhus,' a king of Epirus, who won a costly victory against the Romans.
Historical Evolution
'Pyrrhic' changed from the Greek name 'Pyrrhos' and eventually became the modern English word 'Pyrrhic.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to the victories of King Pyrrhus, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a costly victory.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
describing a victory that comes at such a great cost that it is nearly tantamount to defeat.
The battle was a Pyrrhic victory, as the army lost most of its soldiers.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40