houri

/'huəri/

Friendly

Word: Houri

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: In Islamic tradition, a "houri" refers to a beautiful young woman with dark eyes who is believed to live in paradise (heaven) and is often described as a reward for the faithful. The term is also sometimes used more generally to describe a very beautiful woman.

Usage Instructions:

• The word "houri" is primarily used in religious or literary contexts. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
• When using the word, be mindful of the cultural and religious significance it holds.

Example Sentence:

• "In many stories about the afterlife, the faithful are promised the company of houris in paradise."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or poetry, "houri" may be used metaphorically to describe an exceptionally beautiful woman, even outside of religious contexts.
• For example: "Her beauty was so striking that she seemed like a houri from a distant paradise."

Word Variants:

• Houris (plural): Refers to multiple beautiful young women.
• Houri-like (adjective): Describing someone or something that resembles a houri in beauty.

Different Meanings:

• While "houri" primarily has a religious connotation, in a more general context, it can simply mean a very beautiful woman.

Synonyms:

• Nymph (in mythology, a beautiful young woman)
• Goddess (often used to describe beauty)
• Beauty (a more general term)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include the word "houri," but you might hear phrases like "beauty beyond compare" to describe someone similar to a houri.

Cultural Note:

• The concept of houris is specific to Islamic beliefs and should be approached with respect, as it reflects important religious ideas about the afterlife and rewards for the faithful.

Academic

Noun

1. (Islam) one of the dark-eyed virgins of perfect beauty believed to live with the blessed in Paradise
2. a voluptuously beautiful young woman

Synonyms

• nymph