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Apocalyptic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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apocalyptic

apoc-a-lyp-tic

🇺🇸 /əˌpɑkəˈɫɪptɪk/ · 🇬🇧 /ɐpˌɒkɐlˈɪptɪk/

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a catastrophic event

Relating to or involving the complete destruction of the world; cataclysmic.

Synonyms

catastrophic, disastrous, doomsday.

Examples of usage

  • The apocalyptic scene of the city in ruins after the earthquake.
  • The apocalyptic predictions of the prophet were coming true.
Context #2 | Adjective

relating to a prophetic revelation

Relating to or predicting the complete destruction of the world as described in the biblical book of Revelation.

Synonyms

biblical, eschatological, prophetic.

Examples of usage

  • The apocalyptic visions of St. John in the Book of Revelation.
  • The apocalyptic imagery in religious artwork.

Translations

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Quick facts about “apocalyptic”

Apocalyptic is a 4-syllable adjective (apoc-a-lyp-tic). It is pronounced /əˌpɑkəˈɫɪptɪk/ in American English and /ɐpˌɒkɐlˈɪptɪk/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #16,085 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'apocalyptic'

The word 'apocalyptic' comes from the Greek word 'apokaluptein' meaning 'to uncover, reveal'. It has its roots in the Book of Revelation in the Bible, which foretells the end of the world. Over time, 'apocalyptic' has come to be used more broadly to describe any catastrophic event or prophetic revelation.


See also: apocalypticism.

Rhymes

Apocalyptic rhymes with ecliptic, cryptic and triptych.

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Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,085, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.