Fairies: meaning, definitions and examples

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fairies

[ˈfɛri ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

magical creatures

Fairies are mythical beings with magical powers, often depicted as tiny human-like creatures with wings. They are believed to live in nature and possess the ability to fly. Fairies are commonly associated with folklore and fairy tales.

Synonyms

nymphs, pixies, sprites.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fairies	Fairies are often depicted in folklore and literature as small, magical, winged beings with human-like qualities. They are usually benevolent and associated with nature and enchantment. The children believed that fairies lived in the garden and would only come out at night In the story, a kind fairy granted the hero three wishes
sprites	Sprites are elemental spirits, often associated with air or water. They are typically depicted as ethereal, quick and elusive beings that can control natural elements. The water sprite emerged from the pond, creating ripples with her touch Wind sprites are said to cause sudden gusts and breezes as they dance through the air
pixies	Pixies are small, mischievous creatures from folklore, known for playing tricks on humans and other beings. They are often considered to be more playful and less serious than fairies. The pixies hid the boy's shoes as a prank, making him search the entire house Legend has it that pixies lead travelers astray and laugh at their confusion
nymphs	Nymphs are mythological spirits of nature, typically associated with a specific place such as a forest, river, or sea. In Greek mythology, they are often depicted as beautiful maidens who interact with gods and mortals. The nymphs danced gracefully in the moonlit forest, unseen by human eyes According to legend, the river nymph could control the flow of water with her thoughts

Examples of usage

Children often dream about encountering fairies in the forest.
In some cultures, fairies are said to bring good luck to those who believe in them.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The concept of fairies dates back to ancient times, with roots in folklore from various cultures across Europe.
In medieval times, fairies were often associated with nature and were thought to protect wild animals and plants.
The term 'fairy' comes from the Latin word 'fata,' meaning 'fate,' which shows their connection to magic and destiny.

Literature

Fairies are widely featured in classic literature, such as Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' where they play a central role in enchanting the characters.
In the children’s story 'Peter Pan,' fairies like Tinker Bell have become iconic symbols of magic and playfulness.
The character of the Tooth Fairy, who leaves money in exchange for lost teeth, emerged in the 19th century and remains popular today.

Pop Culture

Animated films have popularized fairies, with Disney’s 'Peter Pan' and 'Tinker Bell' series bringing them to life for modern audiences.
The game 'Fairyland' and many fantasy novels have created vast worlds filled with unique fairy characters and adventures.
Cosplay includes fairies as a popular choice for costumes due to their enchanting and whimsical appearance.

Psychology

Belief in fairies can represent a longing for innocence and a connection to nature, prevalent particularly in childhood imaginings.
Fairy tales often contain moral lessons, with fairies serving as supernatural guides that encourage personal growth and understanding the consequences of actions.
The concept of fairies can reflect societal values of femininity, beauty, and the ethereal qualities often attributed to women in folklore.

Cultural Variations

Different cultures have unique fairy traditions: the 'Kobold' in German folklore is a household spirit, while 'Sídhe' in Irish mythology are fairy folk of the hills.
In Japanese culture, 'Yōkai' are spirits that can share similarities with fairies, reflecting the blend of nature and the supernatural.
In Russia, 'Domovoi' are household spirits akin to fairies, believed to protect families and their homes.

Translations

Translations of the word "fairies" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fadas

🇮🇳 परियों

🇩🇪 Feen

🇮🇩 peri

🇺🇦 феї

🇵🇱 wróżki

🇯🇵 妖精 (ようせい)

🇫🇷 fées

🇪🇸 hadas

🇹🇷 periler

🇰🇷 요정 (yojeong)

🇸🇦 جنيات (jinniyat)

🇨🇿 víly

🇸🇰 víly

🇨🇳 仙女 (xiānnǚ)

🇸🇮 vile

🇮🇸 álfar

🇰🇿 перілер

🇬🇪 ფერები (perebi)

🇦🇿 pərilər

🇲🇽 hadas

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,862, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16859 deceiving
16860 dispensary
16861 ferocity
16862 fairies
16863 envoys
16864 minimally
16865 makeshift
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