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Translation

odalisque

/'oudəlisk/
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Certainly! Let's break down the word "odalisque" to make it easy to understand.

Definition:

Odalisque (noun) refers to a woman who is a slave or concubine in a harem, especially in the historical context of some Middle Eastern and North African cultures. The term is often used in art and literature to describe a beautiful woman who is part of a royal household.

Usage:
  • Basic Sentence: "The artist painted an odalisque lounging in a richly decorated room."
  • Context: You might find this word in discussions about history, art, literature, or culture, particularly when talking about women in royal or wealthy households.
Advanced Usage:

In literature and art, "odalisque" can represent not just a literal meaning but also symbolize beauty, sensuality, and exoticism. Artists like Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres have famously painted odalisques, showcasing them in luxurious settings.

Word Variants:
  • Odalisque does not have common variants, but it might appear in different forms depending on the language of origin or context.
Different Meanings:

While the primary meaning refers to a woman in a harem, in modern contexts, it sometimes refers more broadly to any beautiful woman depicted in art, especially in a sensual manner.

Synonyms:
  • Concubine
  • Harem girl
  • Slave (in specific contexts)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "odalisque," but you may hear phrases that refer to beauty or exoticism in a similar context, like "femme fatale" (a seductive woman who leads others into danger).

Example in Literature:

In literature, an odalisque might be described as a character who captivates the attention of a hero, often representing unattainable beauty or desire.

Summary:

"Odalisque" is a historical term that refers specifically to a woman in a harem, often depicted in art as a symbol of beauty and sensuality. It's used in specific cultural contexts, so it's not commonly used in everyday conversation today. However, when discussing art or literature, it can be a useful word to know!

Noun
  1. a woman slave in a harem

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