apollo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency (C1/C2)Formal, literary, historical, technical (space science, biology)
Quick answer
What does “apollo” mean?
The ancient Greek and Roman god of music, poetry, prophecy, healing, and the sun.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ancient Greek and Roman god of music, poetry, prophecy, healing, and the sun.
A term used to denote a handsome young man; also used in modern contexts to refer to certain scientific projects or achievements (e.g., the Apollo space program), and in biology for a type of butterfly or orchid. Primarily functions as a proper noun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Identical mythological and scientific connotations. The Apollo space program is a shared cultural reference.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, primarily encountered in specific contexts (education, history, space science).
Grammar
How to Use “apollo” in a Sentence
Proper noun (requires capitalization)Noun modifier (e.g., Apollo mission)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apollo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The sculpture had an Apollonian grace.
- They admired his Apollonian features.
American English
- The plan had an almost Apollonian clarity.
- She wrote about the Apollonian ideal in classical art.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in company or project names (e.g., Apollo Global Management).
Academic
Common in Classics, History of Art, History, and Space Science literature.
Everyday
Rare; mainly in references to the moon landings or in poetic/literary descriptions of beauty.
Technical
Used in space industry terminology (Apollo guidance computer) and in biology (Parnassius apollo butterfly).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apollo”
- Incorrectly using lower case ('apollo').
- Confusing with 'apology'.
- Attempting to use as a common countable noun (e.g., 'an apollo' is only idiomatic in the specific 'handsome man' sense).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the god or the space programme, it is a proper noun and must be capitalised (Apollo). In biology (e.g., Apollo butterfly), it remains capitalised as part of the formal species name.
It is an adjective meaning relating to Apollo, or more commonly, characterised by clarity, harmony, restraint, and rationality, as opposed to the emotional and chaotic 'Dionysian'.
Yes, but it is a literary or slightly old-fashioned compliment, meaning a very handsome man who resembles the classical ideal, as in 'He was a young Apollo, tall and fair.'
NASA manager Abe Silverstein proposed the name, inspired by the power and grandeur of the Greek god who drove his chariot (the sun) across the sky, symbolising the ambitious journey the programme aimed to undertake.
The ancient Greek and Roman god of music, poetry, prophecy, healing, and the sun.
Apollo is usually formal, literary, historical, technical (space science, biology) in register.
Apollo: in British English it is pronounced /əˈpɒləʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈpɑːloʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An Apollo (meaning a very handsome man)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
APOLLO: A Powerful Object Launched Lunar-wards Over. (Links the god to the space program.)
Conceptual Metaphor
APOLLO IS THE IDEAL (of male beauty, rational order, or technological achievement).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Apollo' used as a technical term?