Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree; majestic, grand, or superior: Describing something of extraordinary scale, excellence, or bearing, often implying a lofty, detached, or awe-inspiring quality.
   • Of or pertaining to the greater gods of ancient Greece whose abode was Mount Olympus: Relating to the pantheon of Greek gods who lived on Mount Olympus.
   • Of the region of Olympia in Greece or its inhabitants: Relating to the ancient site of Olympia or the people from that region.

2. Noun:

   • A classical Greek god after the overthrow of the Titans: One of the major deities of the ancient Greek pantheon.
   • An athlete who participates in the Olympic games: A competitor in the modern (or ancient) Olympic Games.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • She maintained an Olympian calm during the crisis. (Her composure was superior and detached, like that of a god.)
  • The task required Olympian effort. (The effort required was of an extraordinary, heroic degree.)
  • The Olympian deities, like Zeus and Hera, feature in many myths. (These are the gods from Mount Olympus.)

• Noun:

  • Zeus was the king of the Olympians. (He was the chief god among those residing on Mount Olympus.)
  • The young Olympian trained for years to compete in the games. (The athlete prepared for the Olympic competition.)

Advanced Usage

• "Olympian detachment": A state of serene calm and aloofness, as if above ordinary concerns.
  • The judge viewed the emotional arguments with Olympian detachment.
• "Olympian standards": Refers to ideals or levels of achievement that are supremely high, almost godlike.
  • The chef's Olympian standards meant no dish left the kitchen imperfect.

Variants and Related Words

• Olympic (adj): Pertaining to the Olympic Games.
  • The Olympic torch relay is a famous tradition.
• Olympics (n): The international athletic competition held every four years.
  • She won a gold medal at the Olympics.

Synonyms

• Adjective (for majestic/extraordinary sense): Majestic, lofty, sublime, prodigious, exceptional, monumental.
• Noun (for athlete sense): Competitor, contestant, games participant.

Related Phrases

• "To achieve Olympian heights": To reach a level of supreme excellence or success.
  • His research in physics achieved Olympian heights.
• "An Olympian task/feat": A task or accomplishment of Herculean or monumental difficulty and scale.
  • Rebuilding the city after the war was an Olympian feat.

Adjective

1. far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree
   • a night of exceeding darkness
   • an exceptional memory
   • olympian efforts to save the city from bankruptcy
   • the young Mozart's prodigious talents
2. majestic in manner or bearing; superior to mundane matters
   • his majestic presence
   • olympian detachment
   • olympian beauty and serene composure
3. of or pertaining to the greater gods of ancient Greece whose abode was Mount Olympus
   • Olympian deities
4. of the region of Olympia in Greece or its inhabitants
   • Olympian plain

Noun

1. a classical Greek god after the overthrow of the Titans
2. an athlete who participates in the Olympic games