corinthian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical, Literary, Specialized (Architecture/Classics)
Quick answer
What does “corinthian” mean?
Of, relating to, or characteristic of Corinth, an ancient Greek city.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Of, relating to, or characteristic of Corinth, an ancient Greek city; specifically, pertaining to the ornate Corinthian order of classical architecture.
1. Describing a wealthy, sophisticated amateur in sports, especially sailing or horse racing, who participates for pleasure rather than financial gain. 2. Characterized by elegant luxury or ornate elaboration. 3. (Historical) Referring to a profligate or licentious lifestyle, from Corinth's ancient reputation for luxury and vice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'amateur sportsman' sense (e.g., 'Corinthian spirit') is more established and recognized in British English due to its roots in 19th-century British sporting culture. In American English, the architectural and classical senses dominate.
Connotations
In British English, 'Corinthian' (as a noun for an amateur) carries connotations of aristocratic, gentlemanly, and honourable sporting conduct. In both varieties, the architectural sense is neutral-technical.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both varieties. More likely encountered in historical texts, architectural discourse, or classical studies.
Grammar
How to Use “corinthian” in a Sentence
[Adj] + noun (Corinthian order)[Noun] + of + Corinthian + noun (a capital of Corinthian design)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corinthian” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The club maintained a distinctly Corinthian ethos, shunning any form of professional payment.
- The drawing showed the intricate details of a Corinthian capital.
American English
- The building's facade featured pure Corinthian columns.
- He admired the Corinthian leather interior of the classic car.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except potentially in niche marketing to evoke luxury (e.g., 'Corinthian leather').
Academic
Common in disciplines like Classics, Archaeology, and Architectural History as a precise descriptor.
Everyday
Extremely rare. May be used in historical documentaries or by enthusiasts of classical architecture.
Technical
A standard term in architecture for one of the three classical orders, characterized by acanthus-leaf capitals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corinthian”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corinthian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corinthian”
- Misspelling as 'Corintian' or 'Corithian'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'Greek' instead of specifically relating to Corinth or its distinctive architectural style.
- Pronouncing the 'th' as /θ/ (as in 'thin')—it's a /θ/ sound, not /ð/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a marketing term coined for Chrysler cars in the 1970s, meant to evoke luxury and had no geographical authenticity.
Its capital, which is elaborately decorated with stylized acanthus leaves and sometimes volutes (scrolls).
It is very rare and archaic. If used, it would either reference the historical amateur sportsman or, humorously, someone living a very lavish lifestyle.
The Doric order (simple, sturdy) and the Ionic order (characterized by scroll-like volutes on the capital).
Of, relating to, or characteristic of Corinth, an ancient Greek city.
Corinthian is usually formal, historical, literary, specialized (architecture/classics) in register.
Corinthian: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈrɪnθiən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈrɪnθiən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Corinthian spirit (archaic: the ideal of amateur sportsmanship)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CORINTHian column so fancy it needs a CORONET (crown-like capital) of leaves.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY IS ORNATE ARCHITECTURE (e.g., 'a Corinthian lifestyle'); AMATEURISM IS ARISTOCRATIC PURSUIT (e.g., 'Corinthian values').
Practice
Quiz
In a historical British context, a 'Corinthian' was most likely to be: