Sibylline: meaning, definitions and examples

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sibylline

 

[ sษชหˆbษชlษชn ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sibilina

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฟเคฌเคฟเคฒเคฟเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช sibilinisch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sibylline

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะธะฑั–ะปะปั–ะนััŒะบะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sybiliล„ski

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใƒ“ใƒชใƒผใƒŒ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sibyllin

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sibilino

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sibyllin

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹œ๋นŒ๋ฆฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณุจูŠู„ูŠูŠู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sibylรญny

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sybรญlsky

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฅฟๆฏ”ๆž—

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sibilski

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sibilรญn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะธะฑะธะปะปะธะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ˜แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sibilline

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.