achillean
|a-chil-lean|
C1
/əˈkɪliən/
invincible yet vulnerable
Etymology
Etymology Information
'achillean' originates from the name 'Achilles', a hero of Greek mythology, known for his strength and a single vulnerability, his heel.
Historical Evolution
'Achilles' transformed into the adjective 'achillean' to describe something invincible yet with a potential weakness.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred specifically to Achilles, but over time it evolved to describe anything with great strength and a singular vulnerability.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of Achilles, especially in being invulnerable or having a fatal weakness.
His achillean strength was unmatched, but his arrogance was his downfall.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/20 22:06