oracle of apollo

Friendly

Explanation of "Oracle of Apollo"

Definition: The "Oracle of Apollo" refers to a famous place in ancient Greece called Delphi. It was believed to be a special site where people could ask the god Apollo for advice about important decisions in their lives. A priestess at Delphi, known as the Pythia, would deliver messages from Apollo, but these messages were often unclear or confusing.

Usage Instructions:

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Context: Typically used in discussions about mythology, history, or when talking about seeking guidance or predictions.

Example Sentence:

"Many ancient Greeks traveled to the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi to seek guidance on matters like war, love, or personal choices."

Advanced Usage:

In a modern context, the term "Oracle of Apollo" can be used metaphorically to describe any source of wisdom or advice that is not straightforward. For example, one might say, "The business consultant was like an Oracle of Apollo, offering insights that were hard to interpret."

Word Variants:

• Oracle (noun): A person or thing that provides wise counsel or prophetic predictions.
• Pythia (noun): The title given to the priestess who served at the Oracle of Delphi.

Different Meaning:

While "Oracle of Apollo" specifically refers to the ancient Greek site, the word "oracle" on its own can refer to any source of wisdom, prophecy, or prediction, not limited to mythology.

Synonyms:

• Soothsayer
• Prophet
• Diviner
• Seer

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "To consult the oracle": This means to seek advice or guidance, often from someone who is considered wise.
• "In the oracle's words": This means to refer to something said by a wise person, especially if it is cryptic or hard to understand.

Summary:

The "Oracle of Apollo" is an important concept in Greek mythology that symbolizes the quest for knowledge and guidance.

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