Hercules
/'hə:kjuli:z/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Proper noun:
- A hero in classical mythology: In Greek and Roman mythology, Hercules is a divine hero renowned for his extraordinary strength and courage. He is famous for completing twelve seemingly impossible tasks, known as the Twelve Labors, to atone for a crime and ultimately gain immortality.
- A constellation in the northern sky: Hercules is also the name of a large constellation located in the northern hemisphere, positioned between the constellations Lyra and Corona Borealis.
Examples of Usage
Proper noun (Mythological Figure):
- The myth of Hercules tells the story of a hero who performed twelve immense labors.
- Hercules is often depicted wearing a lion's skin and carrying a club.
Proper noun (Astronomy):
- You can see the constellation Hercules on a clear summer night.
- The Hercules Cluster is a famous globular cluster located within this constellation.
Advanced Usage
- "a Herculean task": An idiom describing a task that requires tremendous strength, effort, or determination, directly referencing the hero's labors.
- Cleaning the entire warehouse single-handedly was a Herculean task.
Variants and Related Words
- Herculean (adjective): Of, relating to, or characteristic of Hercules; requiring or showing great strength or effort.
- He made a Herculean effort to finish the project on time.
Synonyms
- Hero (for the mythological sense): A person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character.
- Strongman (for the attribute of strength): A man who performs feats of physical strength.
Related Idioms
- "the labors of Hercules": Refers to a series of extremely difficult tasks.
- Getting the legislation passed was like one of the labors of Hercules.
Noun
- a large constellation in the northern hemisphere between Lyra and Corona Borealis
- (classical mythology) a hero noted for his strength; performed 12 immense labors to gain immortality