antigone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “antigone” mean?
The name of the tragic heroine in Sophocles' ancient Greek play, who defies the king to bury her brother.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The name of the tragic heroine in Sophocles' ancient Greek play, who defies the king to bury her brother.
A symbol of civil disobedience, familial duty, and moral conflict against state authority; often referenced in literature, philosophy, and political theory.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Same core literary and philosophical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both, confined to literary, classical, or academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “antigone” in a Sentence
[be/like] + Antigone[play/role of] + Antigone[invoke/cite] + AntigoneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antigone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Her Antigone-like resolve was admirable.
American English
- The protest had an Antigone-esque quality.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literature, classics, philosophy, gender studies, and political theory discussions.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used by someone making a specific literary allusion.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antigone”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antigone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antigone”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈæntɪɡoʊn/ (like 'ant' + 'gone').
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'an antigone') instead of a proper name.
- Confusing her with other Greek heroines like Electra or Medea.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency proper noun, primarily used in literary, academic, or theatrical contexts.
It is highly unusual, as the archetype is specifically feminine. A more gender-neutral term like 'defiant figure' or 'conscientious objector' would be used.
The conflict between individual conscience/moral duty (to family) and the laws of the state.
The standard pronunciation is /ænˈtɪɡəni/ (an-TIG-uh-nee), with the primary stress on the second syllable.
The name of the tragic heroine in Sophocles' ancient Greek play, who defies the king to bury her brother.
Antigone is usually literary, academic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An Antigone-like stand”
- “To have an Antigone complex”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ANTI-GONE' - she was 'anti' the king's decree and her brother was 'gone' (dead), which motivated her actions.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL DUTY IS A BURIAL RITE; DEFIANCE IS A FAMILIAL OBLIGATION.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the name 'Antigone' most commonly used?