parthian
/'pɑ:θjən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Relating to Parthia, its people, language, or culture: Describes anything originating from or associated with the ancient Parthian Empire.
- Delivered when retreating or departing: Describes a final remark or action made while leaving, often sharp or telling.
Noun:
- A native or inhabitant of Parthia: A person from the ancient kingdom of Parthia.
- The Iranian language spoken in the Parthian kingdom: The historical Iranian language used in Parthia from approximately 250 BC to AD 226.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- The museum has a collection of Parthian coins. (The coins are from the ancient Parthian Empire.)
- She left the room with a Parthian remark about his incompetence. (Her final, cutting comment was made as she was departing.)
Noun:
- A Parthian served as an ambassador to Rome. (An inhabitant of Parthia was an ambassador.)
- Scholars study Parthian to understand ancient Iranian texts. (They study the historical Parthian language.)
Advanced Usage
- "Parthian glance": A final look given when leaving.
- He cast a Parthian glance over his shoulder before disappearing.
- "Parthian shot" (also "Parthian shaft" or "Parthian arrow"): A final, telling remark or action made while retreating or departing.
- Her resignation letter contained a brilliant Parthian shot, detailing all the company's failures.
Variants and Related Words
- Parthia (n): The ancient kingdom and empire located in what is now northeastern Iran.
- Parthianism (n, rare): A characteristic attributed to the Parthians, such as their military tactic of shooting arrows while retreating.
Synonyms
- Adjective (for the 'departing' sense): Parting, farewell, valedictory.
- Noun (for a person): Parthian native.
Related Phrases
- To fire/launch a Parthian shot: To deliver a final, effective remark upon leaving.
- The CEO fired a Parthian shot at the board as he resigned.
Related Idioms
- A Parthian shot: An idiom meaning a final, cutting remark made while leaving a situation.
- His Parthian shot, "I quit," left everyone in stunned silence.
Adjective
- pertaining to Parthia or its people or language or culture
- Parthian archeology
Noun
- the Iranian language spoken in the Parthian kingdom (250 BC to AD 226)
- a native or inhabitant of Parthia