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Sylph: meaning, definitions and examples

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sylph

 

[sษชlf ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mythological creature

A sylph is a mythological air spirit or elemental being that is often depicted as a slender, graceful woman with wings. In folklore, sylphs are believed to inhabit the air and are associated with the element of air. They are often described as ethereal and delicate beings.

Synonyms

air spirit, elemental being, spirit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sylph

Used to describe a graceful and ethereal female spirit, often associated with the element of air in folklore and fantasy literature.

  • In the enchanted forest, a sylph danced gracefully through the trees
air spirit

Refers to a metaphysical or supernatural being that is associated with the element of air. Commonly used in mythology, fantasy stories, and spiritual contexts.

  • The ancient myths spoke of an air spirit that guided lost travelers through the mountains
elemental being

Describes any supernatural entity that embodies one of the classical elements (air, earth, fire, water). Suitable for fantasy genres and role-playing games.

  • Each elemental being was tasked with protecting its respective domain from harm
spirit

A general term for a supernatural or non-physical entity. Can be used in a variety of contexts from religious to folklore to describe entities without physical form.

  • The spirit of the forest was said to be kind to those who respected nature

Examples of usage

  • The sylph danced gracefully through the clouds.
  • Legends speak of sylphs guarding the skies.
  • The sylph's wings shimmered in the sunlight.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the German 'luf' meaning air, and the Latin 'sylva' meaning forest, combining elements of air and nature.
  • In the 16th century, the term began to be used in literature to describe an ethereal being or fairy.

Literature

  • Sylphs are commonly featured in romantic poetry and are often depicted as graceful and delicate beings.
  • The most famous reference comes from the 1712 poem 'The Rape of the Lock' by Alexander Pope, where sylphs protect the heroine's honor.

Cultural References

  • In the 18th century, sylphs were part of the Romantic imagination, symbolizing beauty and elegance in art and fashion.
  • The concept of sylphs has influenced various art forms including ballet, where dancers embody these airy spirits.

Psychology

  • The ethereal qualities of sylphs evoke feelings of lightness and freedom, often representing ideals of unattainable beauty.
  • They are sometimes used in modern psychological symbolism to represent the delicate balance between mind and emotion.

Mythology

  • In alchemical texts, sylphs are considered elemental spirits of air, believed to embody the qualities of clarity and fluidity.
  • They are characterized as protectors of air and the sky, often envisioned as benevolent spirits guiding the winds.

Translations

Translations of the word "sylph" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sรญlfide

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฟเคฒเฅเคซ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Sylphe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ silf

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะธะปัŒั„

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sylda

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใƒซใƒ•

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sylphe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sรญlfo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sylph

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹คํ”„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณูŠู„ู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sylfa

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sylfa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ฃŽ็ฒพ็ต

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sylfa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sylfa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะธะปัŒั„

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ˜แƒšแƒคแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sylph

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sรญlfo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,722, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.