damascus
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Proper noun:
- The capital and largest city of Syria: Damascus is the political and cultural center of Syria, serving as its national capital.
- An ancient city: Widely considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history spanning thousands of years.
- A significant location in religious history: According to the New Testament, it is the city near which Saul (who later became the Apostle Paul) experienced a profound religious conversion while traveling.
Usage Examples
- Proper noun:
- Damascus has been a major cultural and commercial center for centuries.
- The historic old city of Damascus is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The phrase "road to Damascus" alludes to a sudden and transformative change in belief or perspective.
Advanced Usage
"Damascus steel": A type of steel used historically for sword blades, known for its distinctive wavy pattern and reputation for toughness and sharpness.
- The museum displayed a collection of ancient swords made from Damascus steel.
"A Damascus moment": An idiom describing a sudden, profound, and life-changing realization or conversion, derived from the biblical story.
- His failure in business became a Damascus moment, leading him to completely change his career path.
Variants and Related Words
- Damascene (adj): Pertaining to Damascus.
- The market was full of beautiful Damascene textiles and metalwork.
Synonyms
- Capital of Syria: The primary city and seat of government for Syria.
- Ancient city: A historic metropolis with origins in antiquity.
Related Phrases
- "On the road to Damascus": A phrase used to describe the context or journey leading to a radical transformation or revelation.
- Her journey of self-discovery was her own road to Damascus.
Related Idioms
- "A Damascus conversion": An idiom for a sudden, complete, and dramatic change in someone's beliefs or attitudes.
- His shift from critic to staunch supporter was nothing short of a Damascus conversion.
Noun
- an ancient city (widely regarded as the world's oldest) and present capital and largest city of Syria; according to the New Testament, the Apostle Paul (then known as Saul) underwent a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus