delphic oracle

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Explanation of "Delphic Oracle"

Definition: A "Delphic Oracle" refers to a priestess in ancient Greece who gave advice and predictions at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. People believed she could communicate messages from the god Apollo. However, her messages were often unclear or difficult to understand.

Usage Instructions

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Context: It is often used in discussions about ancient mythology, history, or even in modern contexts to describe vague or ambiguous advice.

Example Sentence

• The CEO sought the counsel of a Delphic Oracle to help make a decision about the company's future, but the advice was too ambiguous to be useful.

Advanced Usage

In a more advanced or metaphorical sense, you can use "Delphic Oracle" to describe any situation or person that provides unclear guidance.

Word Variants

• Delphic (adjective): Relating to the Delphic Oracle or similar ambiguity.
  • Her statements were Delphic, leaving us unsure of her true intentions.

Different Meaning

While "Delphic Oracle" specifically refers to the ancient Greek context, the adjective "Delphic" can be used more broadly to describe any statement or advice that is mysterious or deliberately ambiguous.

Synonyms

• Oracle: A person or medium through whom advice or prophecy is sought.
• Prophetess: A female prophet, someone who speaks for a deity or delivers messages.
• Seer: A person who is able to see the future or predict events.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that include "Delphic Oracle," you might encounter phrases that convey similar meanings:

Summary

The term "Delphic Oracle" comes from Greek mythology and symbolizes the idea of receiving advice that is hard to interpret.

Academic

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) the oracle at Delphi where a priestess supposedly delivered messages from Apollo to those who sought advice; the messages were usually obscure or ambiguous

Synonyms

• Temple of Apollo
• Oracle of Apollo
• Delphic oracle
• oracle of Delphi