amphitryon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very RareLiterary / Formal
Quick answer
What does “amphitryon” mean?
A host who entertains generously, especially one who provides a lavish feast or banquet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A host who entertains generously, especially one who provides a lavish feast or banquet.
A generous and hospitable person who provides an abundance of food and drink for guests. In literature, it can refer to a character (the Greek mythological Amphitryon) whose identity is impersonated, or by extension, to the person in whose honour a feast is given.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Primarily evokes classical education and erudition.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora, appearing almost solely in literary criticism, translations of classical works, or highly stylized writing.
Grammar
How to Use “amphitryon” in a Sentence
[Subject] plays the amphitryon for [Object (guests/group)].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amphitryon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He decided to amphitryon for the entire club, an act of remarkable generosity.
- She will amphitryon the alumni dinner this year.
American English
- He chose to amphitryon the fundraiser, covering all the costs himself.
- They offered to amphitryon the victory celebration.
adjective
British English
- His amphitryon duties kept him occupied for weeks.
- They enjoyed an amphitryon feast of epic proportions.
American English
- She took on an amphitryon role for the community gala.
- The evening had an amphitryon quality, with endless food and wine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rarely used, primarily in classical studies, comparative literature, or papers on Molière's/Plautus's plays.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amphitryon”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amphitryon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amphitryon”
- Spelling: Amphitryion, Amfitryon.
- Pronunciation: /æmfɪˈtraɪɒn/ (incorrect stress).
- Using it in casual contexts where 'host' is perfectly adequate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare, literary word. Most native speakers would not know it.
It originates from Greek mythology. Amphitryon was a Theban general whose identity was assumed by Zeus. The modern sense derives from Molière's 1668 comedy 'Amphitryon', where the protagonist is a model of hospitality.
Yes, but this is even rarer than its noun use. It means 'to act as a lavish host or hostess'.
For advanced learners interested in literature, classical studies, or expanding their passive vocabulary for reading highly stylized texts. It is not necessary for active, everyday use.
A host who entertains generously, especially one who provides a lavish feast or banquet.
Amphitryon is usually literary / formal in register.
Amphitryon: in British English it is pronounced /amˈfɪtrɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /æmˈfɪtriən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Play Amphitryon.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine AMPHI-TRY-ON: Trying on the role of a host (like a costume) for all (amphi-) your guests.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HOST IS A CLASSICAL HERO / HOSPITALITY IS A THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'amphitryon' MOST appropriately used?