alcmene: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Literary / Academic
Quick answer
What does “alcmene” mean?
In Greek mythology, the mortal mother of the hero Heracles (Hercules).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Greek mythology, the mortal mother of the hero Heracles (Hercules).
Used as a classical allusion or proper name; sometimes referenced in literature or art concerning motherhood, fate, or heroic lineage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling.
Connotations
Evokes classical education, mythology, and high culture equally in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “alcmene” in a Sentence
Alcmene, mother of [Heracles/Hercules]According to myth, Alcmene [verb, e.g., was tricked, gave birth]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in classical studies, literature, art history, and mythology courses.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
May appear in scholarly works on Greek mythology or comparative literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alcmene”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alcmene”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alcmene”
- Misspelling as 'Alcmena' or 'Alcmene'.
- Mispronouncing the 'c' as silent.
- Using it as a common noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency proper noun from Greek mythology, used almost exclusively in academic or literary contexts related to classics.
In British English: /ælkˈmiːniː/. In American English: /ælkˈmini/. The 'c' is pronounced as a /k/.
No, it is solely a proper noun. You might find derived adjectives like 'Alcmenean' in very specialist literature, but this is extremely rare.
Most learners would not need it for general communication. It is only relevant for those studying classical mythology, literature, or Western art history.
In Greek mythology, the mortal mother of the hero Heracles (Hercules).
Alcmene is usually formal / literary / academic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Alc-mene' sounds like 'Alchemy' – she was the 'alchemical' vessel for the birth of a super-strong hero (Hercules).
Conceptual Metaphor
MOTHER AS A VESSEL FOR DESTINY; THE MORTAL CONTAINER OF THE DIVINE.
Practice
Quiz
Alcmene is primarily known for being: