alcestis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareLiterary, academic, historical
Quick answer
What does “alcestis” mean?
A queen in Greek mythology, wife of Admetus, known for her willingness to die in place of her husband and her subsequent restoration to life.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A queen in Greek mythology, wife of Admetus, known for her willingness to die in place of her husband and her subsequent restoration to life.
A byword for extreme spousal devotion and self-sacrifice. Also, the title of a tragedy by Euripides (438 BC) based on this myth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; the name is transliterated from Greek identically.
Connotations
Evokes classical scholarship, tragedy, and themes of sacrifice and loyalty. The Euripidean context is central.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, confined to discussions of classical literature and mythology.
Grammar
How to Use “alcestis” in a Sentence
proper noun as subject (Alcestis dies.)proper noun in possessive (Alcestis's sacrifice)prepositional phrase (the story of Alcestis)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alcestis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable
American English
- Not applicable
adverb
British English
- Not applicable
American English
- Not applicable
adjective
British English
- Her decision was positively Alcestian in its selflessness.
American English
- The play's Alcestean themes resonate even today.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable
Academic
Used in classical studies, literature, and gender studies discussing themes of sacrifice, marriage, or Euripidean drama.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A specific reference within the field of Classics or Theatre History.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alcestis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alcestis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alcestis”
- Misspelling as 'Alcestes', 'Alcesti'. Confusing her with other mythological figures like Antigone or Penelope.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Alcestis was a queen in Greek mythology, the wife of Admetus, who chose to die so that her husband might live.
No, it is almost exclusively a proper noun referring to the mythological figure or the play by Euripides. It can be used adjectivally (e.g., 'Alcestian sacrifice').
The central theme is self-sacrifice and spousal devotion, as well as the intervention of the hero Heracles who rescues her from the underworld.
Yes, always. It is a proper name (like 'Helen' or 'Odysseus').
A queen in Greek mythology, wife of Admetus, known for her willingness to die in place of her husband and her subsequent restoration to life.
Alcestis is usually literary, academic, historical in register.
Alcestis: in British English it is pronounced /alˈsɛstɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ælˈsɛstɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “an Alcestis-like sacrifice”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Alcestis ALmost CErtified her love by Sacrificing herself for her Spouse.
Conceptual Metaphor
ULTIMATE LOVE IS DYING FOR ANOTHER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context in which the name 'Alcestis' is used in modern English?