crone
/krouni/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An ugly, evil-looking, or withered old woman: "Crone" refers specifically to an elderly woman whose appearance is considered unattractive, frightening, or haggard, often with connotations of being malicious or witch-like.
Usage
- The word "crone" is a noun used to describe an old woman in a derogatory and unkind way. It emphasizes a harsh, unpleasant, or sinister appearance. It is often used in fairy tales, folklore, or as a literary insult. It is not a polite or respectful term.
Examples
- Noun:
- In the story, the hero was warned to avoid the crone who lived in the haunted forest.
- The villagers whispered that the old crone could cast curses.
Advanced Usage
- Archaic/Literary Use: The term is most common in older literature, fantasy, or metaphorical contexts to evoke a specific archetype.
- The painting depicted the three Fates: the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. (Here, "Crone" represents the final stage of life in a symbolic, though not necessarily negative, triad.)
Variants and Related Words
- Hag (n): A very similar term meaning an ugly old woman, often with magical or evil associations.
- Shrew (n): Refers to a bad-tempered or aggressively scolding woman, not necessarily old.
- Beldam (n): An archaic word for an old woman, especially an ugly or malevolent one.
Synonyms
- Hag
- Witch (when referring to an old, ugly, or evil woman)
- Battle-axe (slang for a harsh, domineering old woman)
Antonyms
- Beauty
- Maiden (a young, unmarried woman)
Related Idioms and Phrases
- The Crone archetype: In mythology and psychology, this is one of the archetypal stages of the feminine, representing old age, wisdom, and sometimes death or decay.
- In her latest novel, the author explores the power of the Crone archetype.
Noun
- an ugly evil-looking old woman