elysian
adjective
Did you know?
In classical mythology Elysium, also known as the Elysian Fields, was the paradise reserved for the heroes immortalized by the gods. Ancient Greek poets imagined it as the abode of the blessed after death. The first known use of the place-name as a word for a blissful state enjoyed by mere mortals is found in Shakespeare's Henry V. Following the Bard, many other writers over the centuries have used "Elysium," as well as "Elysian Fields," to refer to paradisiacal places or states. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was the first to summon "Elysian" as an adjective for the blissful quality emanating from such places.
Synonyms
Examples of elysian in a Sentence
Elise Taylor, Vogue, 23 June 2022
The secret to its longevity, then and now, is a steadfast commitment to the idea of dolce far niente, the elysian pleasantness of doing absolutely nothing except enjoying yourself.
—Spencer Bailey, Town & Country, 28 Mar. 2021
Indie studio Humble Hearts is hard at work finishing Dust: An Elysian Tale, which stands among the most visually breathtaking 2-D games on any modern platform — despite being developed entirely by one man.
—Ryan Rigney, WIRED, 15 June 2012
Ms. Belilove herself often exemplifies the genre’s tragic, heroic side: Orpheus entering the Elysian fields, Liberty leading the people.
—Alastair MacAulay, New York Times, 20 June 2017
The Elysian bash last Thursday night in the Quartyard, 1102 Market St., drew more than 100 people, many dressed in 10 Barrel merchandise.
—Peter Rowe, sandiegouniontribune.com, 25 May 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elysian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near elysian
Cite this Entry
“Elysian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elysian. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Share