Harpy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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harpy
[ˈhɑːrpi ]
Definition
mythology
A harpy is a half-woman, half-bird creature in Greek and Roman mythology, typically depicted as a bird of prey with a woman's face.
Synonyms
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Word | Description / Examples |
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harpy |
Used to describe someone, often a woman, who is seen as very unpleasant and critical. It has negative connotations.
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siren |
Describes a woman who is very alluring but potentially dangerous, often used in a romantic or seductive context. It has mythological roots and can have both positive and negative connotations.
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fury |
Refers to a person, typically a woman, who is extremely angry or violent. This term often has mythological or dramatic connotations.
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monster |
Typically used to describe a person who is extremely cruel or behaves inhumanely, often in a metaphorical sense. It has strong negative connotations.
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Examples of usage
- The harpies were sent to punish King Phineus by snatching away his food before he could eat.
- According to legend, harpies would carry the souls of the dead to the underworld.
Translations
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Origin of 'harpy'
The word 'harpy' originates from Greek mythology, where they were described as fearsome winged spirits with the faces of women. They were known for their role as agents of punishment or vengeance. The concept of harpies has been referenced in various works of literature and art throughout history, symbolizing different aspects of feminine power and danger.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #34,754 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 34751 misanthrope
- 34752 dromedary
- 34753 truncating
- 34754 harpy
- 34755 incapability
- 34756 flaying
- 34757 sneaker
- ...