Langimage
English

leviathan

|le/vi/a/than|

C1

/lɪˈvaɪəθən/

large and powerful entity

Etymology
Etymology Information

'leviathan' originates from Hebrew, specifically the word 'livyatan', where 'livyah' meant 'wreath' or 'coil'.

Historical Evolution

'livyatan' transformed into the Latin word 'leviathan', and eventually became the modern English word 'leviathan'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a sea monster', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'a large creature or entity'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a very large aquatic creature, especially a whale.

The blue whale is often considered a leviathan of the sea.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a thing that is very large or powerful, especially a ship.

The aircraft carrier was a leviathan of the naval fleet.

Synonyms

Noun 3

a political state, especially a totalitarian state with a vast bureaucracy.

The novel depicted a dystopian society ruled by a leviathan government.

Synonyms

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Last updated: 2025/03/03 04:10