apollinian
|a-pol-li-ni-an|
🇺🇸
/ˌæpəˈloʊniən/
🇬🇧
/ˌæpəˈləʊniən/
orderly, rational, harmonious
Etymology
'apollinian' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'Ἀπόλλων (Apóllōn)', where the root referred to the god 'Apollo'.
'apollinian' changed from the Late Latin/Medieval Latin adjectival forms such as 'Apolloniānus' (derived from 'Apollōn') through Old French/Neo-Latin usages and eventually entered modern English as 'Apollinian'/'Apollonian'.
Initially it meant 'of or pertaining to Apollo' (i.e., literally belonging to the god Apollo); over time it evolved to denote qualities associated with Apollo—order, harmony, clarity, and restrained reason—and to serve as a cultural/aesthetic term (often contrasted with 'Dionysian').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who embodies or advocates Apollinian qualities (order, clarity, restraint) or a follower of Apollinian aesthetics.
As an apollinian, she favored clear structure and subdued emotion in poetry.
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Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of the Greek god Apollo; marked by order, harmony, clarity, restraint, and rationality.
The painting's apollinian composition emphasized balance and measured form.
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Adjective 2
pertaining to the Apollinian aesthetic or philosophical contrast (especially in discussions influenced by Nietzsche) emphasizing individuality, form, and restraint as opposed to Dionysian excess.
In his essay he contrasted apollinian ideals with the wild energy of the Dionysian.
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Last updated: 2025/09/20 08:22