Elephantine: meaning, definitions and examples
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elephantine
[ หษlษชfษลหtaษชn ]
size or strength
The term 'elephantine' is used to describe something that is extraordinarily large or massive, reminiscent of the size and strength of an elephant. This word is often employed in a metaphorical sense to characterize objects, ideas, or situations that exhibit overwhelming power or presence. It conveys a sense of weightiness and immensity, making it suitable for both literal and figurative descriptions.
Synonyms
colossal, gigantic, huge, massive
Examples of usage
- The elephantine structure of the building dominated the skyline.
- His elephantine efforts in the project were greatly appreciated.
- The elephantine emotions she felt were hard to contain.
Translations
Translations of the word "elephantine" in other languages:
๐ต๐น elefantino
๐ฎ๐ณ เคนเคพเคฅเฅ เคเฅเคธเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช elefantin
๐ฎ๐ฉ elephantine
๐บ๐ฆ ัะปะพะฝััะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ sลoniowy
๐ฏ๐ต ่ฑกใฎใใใช
๐ซ๐ท รฉlรฉphantin
๐ช๐ธ elefantino
๐น๐ท fil benzeri
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฝ๋ผ๋ฆฌ ๊ฐ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ูููู
๐จ๐ฟ slonรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ slonรญ
๐จ๐ณ ่ฑกไผผ็
๐ธ๐ฎ slonji
๐ฎ๐ธ fรญllรญkur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฟัะป ัำััะทะดั
๐ฌ๐ช แกแแแแแก แแกแแแแกแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ filษ bษnzษr
๐ฒ๐ฝ elefantino
Etymology
The word 'elephantine' derives from the Latin word 'elephantinus,' which means 'of or relating to an elephant.' The root of the word can be traced back further to the Greek word 'elephas,' which also refers to an elephant. Elephants, known for their size and strength, have been symbols of power and enormity in various cultures for centuries. The figurative use of 'elephantine' began to appear in English literature around the 16th century, where it began to describe not just physical size but also qualities of weighty significance in ideas and emotions. Over time, the term has been embraced in various contexts, including literature and everyday speech, to evoke imagery associated with something that is impressively large or powerful.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #34,968 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 34965 suggestible
- 34966 scribbler
- 34967 cavalierly
- 34968 elephantine
- 34969 redrafting
- 34970 jazzy
- 34971 barbell
- ...