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Genie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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genie

[หˆdส’iหni ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mythology

A genie is a spirit often portrayed as a small, magical, wish-granting being that can be found in folklore and fairy tales. Genies are usually depicted as living in lamps or bottles and being able to grant three wishes to the person who releases them.

Synonyms

djinn, jinn, spirit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
genie

Often used in the context of a magical being that grants wishes, particularly in Western culture and literature.

  • In the story of Aladdin, the genie grants three wishes to anyone who rubs the lamp
djinn

Used mainly to describe supernatural beings in Middle Eastern folklore, which can be good or evil. It is a more culturally specific term.

  • According to Arab mythology, a djinn can be summoned through various rituals and can possess humans
jinn

Similar to 'djinn' but can be seen in different transliterations. It is used to describe supernatural beings in Islamic culture, often neutral in nature.

  • The Quran mentions the creation of jinn from smokeless fire, making them different from humans and angels
spirit

A more general term used to describe non-physical entities or souls, often in religious, spiritual, or ghostly contexts.

  • Many cultures believe that the spirit of a deceased person can linger in the living world

Examples of usage

  • The genie granted Aladdin three wishes.
  • She rubbed the lamp and out came a genie.
  • The genie warned Aladdin to be careful what he wished for.
Context #2 | Noun

modern culture

In modern culture, a genie is often used as a metaphor for a powerful and magical force that can fulfill desires or make dreams come true. It is commonly associated with the idea of granting wishes or providing solutions to difficult situations.

Synonyms

magical being, miracle worker, wish granter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
genie

Commonly used in fantasy contexts where a character is granted wishes by a supernatural entity. It is often associated with folklore or fictional stories.

  • The young boy discovered a genie in the old lamp and was granted three wishes.
  • In many tales, a genie appears to transform the protagonistโ€™s fate.
magical being

A broader term used in fantasy or supernatural contexts to describe any creature with magical powers. Itโ€™s not limited to wish-granting.

  • The forest was inhabited by many magical beings who protected the land.
  • She encountered a magical being who guided her through the mystical world.
miracle worker

Often used in everyday language to describe someone who seems to achieve the impossible. It can be used in a positive or admiring tone.

  • The new manager is a miracle worker; she turned the company around in just six months.
  • Everyone considered the doctor a miracle worker after he saved so many lives.
wish granter

Specifically describes an entity or person who fulfills the desires or requests of others. This is less commonly used and often in more specific or descriptive contexts.

  • In the story, the fairy godmother acted as a wish granter for Cinderella.
  • The old legend spoke of a wish granter who lived in the enchanted forest.

Examples of usage

  • She felt like a genie had granted her wish when she got the job.
  • The technology seemed like a genie that could solve all their problems.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • One of the most famous tales about a genie comes from 'One Thousand and One Nights', particularly the story of 'Aladdin'.
  • In 19th-century literature, genies started being portrayed in a more playful, wish-granting manner, leading to their modern interpretation.

Folklore

  • In folklore, genies are often depicted as tricky and mischievous, sometimes leading to unintended consequences from the wishes they grant.
  • Traditionally, genies are believed to be bound to their lamps or bottles and can only be released by specific actions, such as rubbing or calling their name.

Pop Culture

  • In the popular animated movie 'Aladdin', the character Genie, voiced by Robin Williams, is known for his humor and vibrant personality.
  • Various TV shows and movies continue to feature genies, often reflecting contemporary themes or morals related to the nature of wishes.

Psychology

  • The concept of wishes often reflects deep desires and aspirations, illustrating how people think about what they truly want in life.
  • In dream psychology, genies represent the fulfillment of wishes and the exploration of oneโ€™s subconscious desires.

Origin of 'genie'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Arabic 'jinni', which refers to supernatural beings in Islamic tradition.
  • In early Arabic literature, jinn were thought to be spirits made from smokeless fire, capable of good or evil.

The word 'genie' comes from the French 'gรฉnie', which in turn comes from the Latin 'genius' meaning 'guardian spirit' or 'spirit of a place'. The concept of genies originated in Middle Eastern folklore and Islamic mythology, where they were known as 'jinn'. Over time, the idea of genies evolved and became popularized in Western culture through stories like 'Aladdin and the Magic Lamp'.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,841, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.