Cherubic: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from 'cherubim', a term used in religious texts to describe angelic beings.
• The roots can be traced back to the Hebrew word 'kerub', which referred to these angelic figures.
• In Medieval art, the depiction of cherubs transformed from serious angelic beings to the adorable babies we see today.

Art History

• In Renaissance paintings, cherubs are often shown floating among clouds, adding a whimsical, divine touch to the scenes.
• Famous artists like Raphael depicted cherubic figures in ways that emphasized their plump, childlike features.
• These sweet-faced angels became symbols of purity and innocence not just in art but in literature as well.

Cultural Significance

• Cherub imagery can be found in various cultures, symbolizing hope, affection, and protection.
• In modern culture, the term 'cherubic' is used more broadly to describe anything that looks sweet or innocent, especially in children.
• The idea of cherubic beings often reflects a longing for peace and a connection to the divine.

Literature

• In poetry and fairy tales, cherubic characters typically represent innocence, often serving as a foil to darker themes.
• Authors like William Blake used cherubic imagery to express themes of divine love and the purity of childhood.
• The concept often appears in classic literature, where characters with cherubic qualities symbolize hope and joy amidst adversity.

Psychology

• People find cherubic faces endearing because they typically have traits associated with infancy, like roundness and big eyes.
• Research shows that our reactions to cherubic faces can evoke feelings of affection and caring, influencing social interactions.
• The 'cherubic effect' can create immediate positive impressions in personal and professional contexts.

Ranking #35,313, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

• ...
• 35310 mousy
• 35311 despondently
• 35312 tethers
• 35313 cherubic
• 35314 mandrake
• 35315 mummery
• 35316 buzzword
• ...