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Colossi Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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colossi

[kəˈlɒsaɪ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

giant statue

A colossi refers to a statue that is much larger than life size. It is often used to describe monumental structures that were built to honor gods, heroes, or rulers. The term is most commonly associated with ancient sculptures and can signify both the physical enormity and the cultural importance of these artworks.

Synonyms

behemoth, giant, goliath, monument, titan.

Examples of usage

  • The Colossus of Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
  • The museum features a colossi that stands at the entrance, capturing the attention of all visitors.
  • Ancient civilizations often constructed colossi to demonstrate their power and devotion.
  • The colossi were commonly placed in prominent locations to symbolize strength.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art & Architecture

  • Many ancient civilizations created massive structures; for example, the Great Sphinx of Giza is often regarded as a monumental colossus.
  • In modern architecture, the term 'colossal' can describe large buildings or monuments intended to impress viewers.

Pop Culture

  • Colossi have appeared in various movies and video games, often symbolizing power or serving as formidable challenges for heroes.
  • One notable appearance is in the game 'Shadow of the Colossus,' where players must battle giant beings in a post-apocalyptic world.

History

  • The Colossus of Rhodes was constructed in 280 BC and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, standing about 33 meters tall.
  • In addition to the Colossus of Rhodes, various cultures, such as the Mayans and Greeks, created similar large structures as monuments or religious symbols.

Cultural Significance

  • Colossal statues often represent power, devotion, and the aspirations of the cultures that created them.
  • In many cultures, these giant figures serve as reminders of historical narratives, celebrating deities, heroes, or significant events.

Origin of 'colossi'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'colossus,' which itself is derived from the Greek 'kolossos,' meaning a giant statue.
  • The term was first used to describe the Colossus of Rhodes, a giant statue that stood at the entrance of the harbor in Rhodes, Greece.

The term 'colossi' is derived from the Greek word 'kolossos', which refers to a large statue. The origin of the word can be linked to the famous Colossus of Rhodes, a massive statue erected on the Greek island of Rhodes between 292 and 280 BC. It was one of the tallest statues of the ancient world, standing approximately 33 meters (108 feet) high, and represented the sun god Helios. The word 'colossi' in the plural form encapsulates the idea of these grand sculptures as well as their cultural significance in ancient societies. Such statues were often built to commemorate victories, demonstrate artistic achievements, or mark the presence of deities, influencing both architecture and art throughout history. The fascination with colossi continues in modern times, as their representation evokes a sense of awe, grandeur, and historical importance.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,448, 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.