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Dragon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dragon

[หˆdrรฆษกษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mythical creature

A dragon is a large, serpent-like legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures around the world. Dragons are often depicted as powerful and fearsome beasts that could fly and breathe fire. They are a symbol of strength and wisdom in some cultures, while in others they represent chaos and destruction.

Synonyms

beast, monster, serpent.

Examples of usage

  • The knight fought bravely against the dragon.
  • In mythology, dragons are often guardians of treasure.
  • The dragon soared across the sky, spreading fear.
  • In Eastern cultures, dragons are considered auspicious.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In Chinese culture, dragons symbolize power, strength, and good luck, and are often associated with water and rainfall.
  • In Western tales, dragons are frequently portrayed as evil creatures that knights must defeat to save princesses and kingdoms.

Literature

  • Dragons appear in works like J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit', where the dragon Smaug hoards treasure and poses a major threat to heroes.
  • Modern fantasy literature, such as the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin, features dragons as powerful allies and weapons in war.

Science and Mythology

  • Some scientists theorize that the idea of dragons may have originated from early humans misinterpreting dinosaur bones or large animal fossils.
  • Mythological dragons often vary widely between cultures, from fire-breathing beasts to wise dragon spirits guiding humans.

Different Representations

  • In the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop game, dragons are categorized by color and type, each with unique traits and powers.
  • Anime and video games often portray dragons in varied forms, from friendly companions to fearsome foes, influencing popular culture.

Origin of 'dragon'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dragon' comes from the Greek word 'drakon', which means 'serpent' or 'snake'.
  • In Latin, 'draco' also refers to a dragon and is related to the word for 'to see', which hints at the creature's mythic watchfulness.

The word 'dragon' originates from the Greek word 'drakลn', which means 'serpent' or 'giant snake'. It was adopted into Latin as 'draco', and through Old French as 'dragon'. The concept of dragons is present in various forms across numerous cultures, often representing both good and evil. In ancient myths, dragons were portrayed as either benevolent protectors or malevolent adversaries. The imagery and characteristics of dragons evolved over time, influenced by the cultural and geographical contexts of storytelling. In medieval Europe, dragons were frequently associated with greed and destruction, whereas in Asian cultures, they symbolize power, strength, and luck. The diverse interpretations of dragons highlight their significance in human folklore and mythology, making them enduring figures in literature and art.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,175 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.