Attic
/'ætik/
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Definition
Noun:
- A space or room directly below the roof of a building: An attic is the highest floor or space in a house, immediately under the roof, often used for storage or converted into living space.
- The dialect of Ancient Greek spoken in Attica and Athens: In historical linguistics, "Attic" refers to the classical dialect of Ancient Greek used in the region of Attica, which includes Athens.
- (Architecture) A low decorative wall above a cornice: In classical architecture, an attic is a small story or decorative wall built above the main cornice of a building.
- (Informal) A person's head: Used humorously or informally to refer to someone's head or mind.
Adjective:
- Relating to Attica, Athens, or the Attic dialect: Pertaining to the ancient region of Attica in Greece, its inhabitants, or its classical dialect.
- Characterized by refined wit or elegance: Describing a style of humor or expression that is subtle, delicate, and sophisticated, reminiscent of classical Athenian culture.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Storage Space):
- We found old family photos stored in the attic.
- The attic was filled with dusty boxes and forgotten furniture.
- Noun (Dialect):
- Attic is the dialect in which many works of Plato and Aristotle were written.
- Noun (Architecture):
- The building's facade was crowned with an ornate attic.
- Noun (Informal: Head):
- Be careful, or you'll get that idea knocked right out of your attic!
- Adjective:
- The museum has a collection of Attic vases from the 5th century BC.
- Her conversation was noted for its Attic wit.
Advanced Usage
- "To have rats in the attic": An informal idiom meaning to be slightly crazy or eccentric.
- Don't mind his strange theories; he's got rats in the attic.
Variants and Related Words
- Atticize (verb): To make something conform to Attic style or usage; to use Attic Greek.
- Atticism (noun): A refined, elegant phrase or style, especially one characteristic of Attic Greek.
Synonyms
- Loft (noun): A room or space under the roof of a building, similar to an attic.
- Garret (noun): A synonym for attic, often implying a small, poor, or cramped space.
- Cranium (noun, informal): A formal/informal synonym for the head.
- Ionic (adjective): Pertaining to another major dialect of Ancient Greek, often contrasted with Attic.
Related Phrases
- Attic salt (or Attic wit): A phrase describing a delicate, refined, and witty style of humor.
- The playwright was famous for his Attic salt.
Related Idioms
- Something in the attic: A humorous way to suggest someone is not thinking clearly or is a little crazy.
- You must have something in your attic if you believe that story.
Adjective
- of or relating to Attica or its inhabitants or to the dialect spoken in Athens in classical times
- Attic Greek
Noun
- (architecture) a low wall at the top of the entablature; hides the roof
- informal terms for a human head
- the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken and written in Attica and Athens and Ionia
- floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage