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Cupid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cupid

[หˆkjuห.pษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mythology

Cupid is often depicted as a young winged boy associated with love and desire. In Roman mythology, he is the son of Venus, the goddess of love, and is known for shooting arrows that compel individuals to fall in love. His arrows can bring both joy and heartache, depending on whom they strike. Cupid is a popular figure in art and literature, symbolizing the playful and sometimes tumultuous nature of love.

Synonyms

Eros, angel of love, love god.

Examples of usage

  • The painting features Cupid with his bow and arrow.
  • In the story, Cupid mistakenly hits himself with his own arrow.
  • On Valentine's Day, Cupid is a common symbol of romance.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Mythology

  • In Roman mythology, Cupid is the son of Venus, the goddess of love, symbolizing desire and attraction.
  • He is often depicted as a playful child or an adorable baby, showcasing innocence in love.

Art

  • Cupid has been a popular subject in Renaissance art, representing love and beauty in many famous paintings.
  • Artists like Botticelli and Raphael included Cupid in their works to depict themes of romance and divine love.

Literature

  • References to Cupid appear in various works, including Shakespeareโ€™s plays, emphasizing the mischievous and unpredictable nature of love.
  • In poetry, Cupid is frequently used as a metaphor for the complicated feelings associated with romance.

Pop Culture

  • Modern depictions often show Cupid around Valentineโ€™s Day, making him a symbol of love and romance in advertising and gifts.
  • Cupid has appeared in numerous movies and television shows, often portraying the whimsical aspects of falling in love.

Psychology

  • Cupid represents the concept of romantic love in psychology, which can create intense emotions and sometimes irrational decisions.
  • The 'Cupid effect' refers to how love can alter perception, making individuals feel more optimistic and happier.

Origin of 'cupid'

The word 'cupid' originates from the Latin word 'Cupidin', meaning desire or longing. The concept of Cupid dates back to Roman mythology, where he was depicted as a playful, mischievous figure associated with love and attraction. His Greek counterpart, Eros, was similarly portrayed, but Eros had more complex characteristics, often representing various aspects of love beyond mere attraction. Over the centuries, Cupid has become entrenched in Western culture, particularly in relation to Valentine's Day and romantic imagery. His representation as a chubby, winged child is largely influenced by Renaissance art and later depicts him as a symbol of innocent love, although ancient depictions varied significantly in appearance and attributes.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,835, 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.