Choler Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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choler

[ˈkɒlər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

emotional state

Choler refers to a type of humor in ancient and medieval medicine that is associated with a hot temperament. It is often linked to anger and irritability in both psychological and medical contexts.

Synonyms

anger, fury, irritation, rage.

Examples of usage

  • His choler was evident during the heated debate.
  • She often reacted with choler when provoked.
  • The choler in his voice warned everyone to be cautious.
Context #2 | Noun

historical context

Choler was one of the four bodily humors in ancient Greek medicine, which included blood, phlegm, and black bile. It was believed that an excess of choler could lead to health issues, particularly those related to emotional instability.

Synonyms

disposition, humor, temperament.

Examples of usage

  • Ancient physicians believed that choler affected one's health.
  • In medieval times, choler was considered a sign of imbalance.
  • The concept of choler has influenced many historical medical practices.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Shakespeare often used the term to describe characters' temperaments, revealing their emotional states.
  • In classical literature, characters portrayed as choleric often acted impulsively or violently, reflecting historical views on personality types.
  • In Dante's 'Divine Comedy', individuals consumed by choler were depicted as angry souls in the Inferno, indicating moral and emotional consequences.

Psychology

  • Studies show people who experience high levels of choleric tendencies may be more prone to stress-related health issues.
  • The temperament theory categorizes cholerics as assertive and dominant, often drawn to leadership roles.
  • Understanding choler can help in conflict resolution by identifying triggers of anger in personal interactions.

Pop Culture

  • In modern times, 'choler' is often used in literature and media to describe characters with fiery tempers, playing into the archetype of the 'angry hero.'
  • 'Choleric' characters often appear in movies and novels, symbolizing passion but also the potential for conflict and destruction.
  • The word has made its way into character assessments in games, where personality traits influence story outcomes.

History

  • The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates believed an imbalance of choler could lead to aggression and illness, influencing early medical practices.
  • In the Renaissance, understanding of emotions was linked to bodily humors, with choler representing a fiery and vigorous spirit.
  • Rulers and military leaders in history were often described as choleric, emphasizing the connection between temper and power dynamics.

Origin of 'choler'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'choler' comes from the Greek word 'chole,' meaning bile, which was thought to cause anger in ancient medicine.
  • In medieval medicine, 'choler' was one of the four humors, believed to be related to fire and linked to a hot temperament.
  • The word has been used since the 14th century, evolving through Old French before arriving in modern English.

The term 'choler' comes from the Latin word 'cholerus', which derives from the Greek word 'chole', meaning bile. In ancient times, philosophers and physicians like Hippocrates and Galen identified four humors (blood, phlegm, choler, and black bile) that were believed to determine a person's temperament and health. Choler was associated with the qualities of heat and dryness, represented by the element of fire. As medicine evolved, the concept of humors faded, but the emotional implications of the term 'choler' persisted in literature and common language, often linked with anger and irritability.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,340 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.