Definition

Proper noun 1. Legendary king of ancient Phrygia: Gordius is the name of a legendary king in ancient Phrygian mythology. He is most famously associated with the creation of the intricate and seemingly unsolvable "Gordian knot."

Usage

The word "Gordius" is used almost exclusively in historical and mythological contexts to refer to this specific legendary figure. It is a proper noun and is always capitalized.

Examples

• According to legend, Gordius was a peasant who became king after an oracle's prophecy.
• The chariot of Gordius was tied to a pole with the famous knot.
• The story of Gordius and the Gordian knot is often cited as a metaphor for solving a complex problem with bold, direct action.

Advanced Usage

• "Gordian" as a derived adjective: While "Gordius" is the name of the king, the adjective "Gordian" (as in "Gordian knot") is derived from his name and is used more frequently in modern English to describe an extremely complex or intricate problem.
  • Example: The negotiators faced a Gordian tangle of legal issues.

Variants and Related Words

• Gordian (adj): Pertaining to Gordius or, more commonly, describing something as intricate and difficult to solve, like the knot tied by Gordius.
• Gordian knot (noun phrase): A proverbial term for an intractable problem, named after the knot tied by Gordius.

Synonyms

• Legendary king of Phrygia: This is a descriptive synonym, as there is no other single word that is a direct synonym for the proper name "Gordius."

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To cut the Gordian knot: This idiom means to solve a very difficult problem with a bold, decisive, and often unconventional action. It originates from the legend that Alexander the Great cut through the knot with his sword.
  • Example: The CEO decided to cut the Gordian knot by selling the troubled division outright.

Noun

1. legendary king of ancient Phrygia who was said to be responsible for the Gordian knot