corybant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary, Archaic, Formal
Quick answer
What does “corybant” mean?
A priest of the Phrygian goddess Cybele, noted for wildly emotional, frenzied rites.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A priest of the Phrygian goddess Cybele, noted for wildly emotional, frenzied rites.
A frenzied, ecstatic, or wildly agitated person; someone who acts with unrestrained enthusiasm or excitement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in usage. The word is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries connotations of ancient ritual, irrational ecstasy, and uncontrolled, perhaps Dionysian, behavior. Can be used pejoratively or descriptively.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage, found almost exclusively in classical studies, historical texts, or high literary prose.
Grammar
How to Use “corybant” in a Sentence
Noun phrase (e.g., 'a corybant')Like a + corybant (simile)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corybant” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dance had a corybantic quality.
American English
- He was in a corybantic state.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in classical studies, history of religion, and literary analysis.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used or encountered.
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside of specific humanities disciplines.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corybant”
- Misspelling as 'coryphant' or 'coryband'.
- Using it to mean a calm or dignified person (opposite of its meaning).
- Confusing it with 'Corybantes' (the plural form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, literary, and archaic word. You are most likely to encounter it in classical studies or high-level literary works.
The standard plural is 'corybants'. The form 'Corybantes' is also used, especially when referring specifically to the mythological figures.
The related adjective is 'corybantic', meaning frenzied or wildly excited. 'Corybant' itself is almost exclusively a noun.
It comes from Latin 'Corybas', from Greek 'Korybas' (Korubas), the name of a priest of Cybele. Its ultimate etymology is uncertain but is non-Greek, likely Phrygian.
A priest of the Phrygian goddess Cybele, noted for wildly emotional, frenzied rites.
Corybant is usually literary, archaic, formal in register.
Corybant: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒrɪbænt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrɪbænt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a corybant (meaning: in a wild, frenzied manner)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CORY (like a chorus) + BANT (sounds like 'rant'). A chorus-member who rants wildly like an ancient priest.
Conceptual Metaphor
WILD BEHAVIOR IS A RELIGIOUS FRENZY.
Practice
Quiz
In its extended, metaphorical sense, a 'corybant' is best described as: