Sibylline: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฎ
sibylline
[ sษชหbษชlษชn ]
mysterious prophecy
The term 'sibylline' refers to something that is prophetic or mysterious, often associated with the Sibyls of ancient times who were believed to possess the ability to foretell the future. These oracles were often viewed as enigmatic figures, providing cryptic messages that have led to various interpretations over the centuries. In modern usage, 'sibylline' can describe any communication or expression that is obscure and open to multiple interpretations. This sense of mystery can evoke a sense of intrigue, as others seek to uncover the hidden meanings behind such pronouncements.
Synonyms
cryptic, enigmatic, inscrutable, mysterious, prophetic.
Examples of usage
- The sibylline messages left by the oracle puzzled scholars for years.
- Her sibylline smile suggested she knew more than she was letting on.
- The author's sibylline prose left readers questioning the true intent behind the story.
Translations
Translations of the word "sibylline" in other languages:
๐ต๐น sibilina
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคฟเคฌเคฟเคฒเคฟเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช sibilinisch
๐ฎ๐ฉ sibylline
๐บ๐ฆ ัะธะฑัะปะปัะนััะบะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ sybiliลski
๐ฏ๐ต ใทใใชใผใ
๐ซ๐ท sibyllin
๐ช๐ธ sibilino
๐น๐ท sibyllin
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋น๋ฆฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณุจููููู
๐จ๐ฟ sibylรญny
๐ธ๐ฐ sybรญlsky
๐จ๐ณ ่ฅฟๆฏๆ
๐ธ๐ฎ sibilski
๐ฎ๐ธ sibilรญn
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะธะฑะธะปะปะธะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แกแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ sibilline
๐ฒ๐ฝ sibilino
Etymology
The word 'sibylline' originates from the Latin term 'sibylla,' which referred to the prophetesses in ancient times. These Sibyls were prominent figures in Greek and Roman literature, believed to possess divine knowledge and could foretell the future through their enigmatic verses. The concept of the Sibyl dates back to the earliest days of Greco-Roman civilization, with roots in the ancient Mediterranean world. Over time, the influences of these prophetic figures spread throughout various cultures, leading to various adaptations and interpretations of their roles. The Renaissance period saw a revival of interest in Sibylline prophecies, intertwining them with Christian eschatology and adding layers of complexity to their meanings. Thus, the term 'sibylline' evolved to encompass not only the historical context but also a broader use referring to any form of speech or writing that suggests a foreboding or prophetic quality.