Cherubic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cherubic
[หcherษหbik ]
Definition
describing innocence
Cherubic describes a sweet, innocent, and pure appearance, often resembling that of a child. It is frequently associated with the seraphim, the angelic beings that are depicted as having childlike faces and joyous expressions. The term evokes feelings of innocence and joyousness.
Synonyms
angelic, childlike, innocent, sweet.
Examples of usage
- The cherubic smile of the young girl brightened the room.
- He had a cherubic face that made everyone feel at ease.
- The artist painted a cherubic angel hovering above the scene.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'cherubic'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'cherubic' originates from the Middle English word 'cherubik', which is derived from the Late Latin 'cherubicus', tracing back to the Greek 'cheroub' and Hebrew 'keruv', referring to a type of angelic being. In biblical texts, cherubs are depicted as guardian figures often associated with the presence of God. Over time, the word evolved to embody qualities of purity and innocence, particularly in reference to children's appearance and demeanor. In art, especially during the Renaissance, cherubic figures were commonly depicted with chubby faces and large, innocent eyes, further cementing the term's association with youthful innocence.