Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A mythological figure: In Greek mythology, Galatea is the name given to the statue of a maiden carved from ivory by the sculptor Pygmalion. The statue was brought to life by the goddess Aphrodite in response to Pygmalion's prayers.

Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The story of Galatea is a classic myth about the power of love and art.
  • In the myth, Pygmalion fell in love with his own creation, Galatea.

Advanced Usage

• "Galatea complex": A modern psychological or literary term, sometimes used to describe a situation where a creator falls in love with their own creation or a person tries to mold another into an idealized form.
  • The professor's attempt to shape his student's mind was likened to a Galatea complex.

Variants and Related Words

• Pygmalion: The name of the sculptor who created Galatea. This name is the source of the related "Pygmalion effect," a psychological phenomenon where higher expectations lead to improved performance.

Synonyms

• Statue brought to life: A descriptive phrase for the mythological figure.
• Ivory maiden: A poetic reference to the material from which the statue was carved.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A modern Galatea": Used to describe a person who has been radically shaped or educated by another.
  • Under his mentorship, she flourished like a modern Galatea.

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) a maiden who was first a sculpture created by Pygmalion and was brought to life by Aphrodite in answer to Pygmalion's prayers