hermes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Formal/Literary/Cultural/Luxury Brand
Quick answer
What does “hermes” mean?
In Greek mythology: the messenger of the gods, god of trade, wealth, luck, fertility, animal husbandry, sleep, language, thieves, and travel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Greek mythology: the messenger of the gods, god of trade, wealth, luck, fertility, animal husbandry, sleep, language, thieves, and travel.
A proper noun referring to: 1) The Greek god. 2) A prominent brand in the French luxury goods industry (Hermès International S.A.). 3) In astronomy, a small asteroid. 4) In herpetology, a genus of tree vipers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Pronunciation of the brand name (with the French /ɛʁmɛs/ approximation) may be slightly more attempted in UK English due to proximity to France.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary cultural connotations are either classical mythology or extreme luxury/exclusivity (for the brand).
Frequency
The mythological reference is of similar, relatively low frequency. The brand reference is high frequency in contexts discussing fashion/luxury goods.
Grammar
How to Use “hermes” in a Sentence
Hermes + [verb e.g., delivered, guided, protected]Hermes's + [noun e.g., caduceus, role, symbols]a + [adjective] + Hermes + [noun e.g., bag, statue]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hermes” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He Hermes-ed his way through the crowd with the news. (informal, nonce formation)
American English
- The update was Hermes'd to all departments by noon. (informal, nonce formation)
adverb
British English
- The package arrived Hermes-fast. (mythological)
American English
- He ran Hermes-quick to deliver the message. (mythological)
adjective
British English
- The design had a certain Hermes elegance. (referring to brand style)
- His Hermes-like speed was legendary. (mythological)
American English
- She carried an Hermes-orange bag. (brand colour)
- The system requires Hermes-fast reflexes. (mythological)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers almost exclusively to the luxury goods conglomerate, e.g., 'Hermes reported record profits.'
Academic
Primarily in Classics, Mythology, Art History, and Cultural Studies texts.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation unless discussing mythology, astrology (the planet Mercury), or very high-end fashion.
Technical
In astronomy: 69230 Hermes (asteroid). In zoology: *Hermes* (genus of snake).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hermes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hermes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hermes”
- Mispronouncing the brand as /ˈhɜːrmz/ or /hɜːrˈmiːs/.
- Omitting the capital 'H' when it is a proper noun.
- Using 'Hermes' as a common noun for any messenger (archaic/poetic only).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Approximately 'air-MEZ' in an approximation of French. The 'H' is silent, the 'r' is a soft guttural, and the final 's' is pronounced.
It is a proper noun (a name). Always capitalised. It is not used as a common noun in modern standard English, though it can be used attributively (e.g., 'an Hermes bag').
'Hermes' is the Greek name; 'Mercury' is his Roman counterpart. They are effectively the same deity within two different mythological systems.
The accent (diaeresis) is part of the official French spelling of the luxury brand's name, indicating the 'e' is pronounced separately. It is often dropped in general English text.
In Greek mythology: the messenger of the gods, god of trade, wealth, luck, fertility, animal husbandry, sleep, language, thieves, and travel.
Hermes is usually formal/literary/cultural/luxury brand in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) fast as Hermes”
- “a Hermes-like figure (swift and cunning messenger)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HERMES = HERald and MESSenger of the gods. The 'HER' can also remind you of the 'HERitage' of the luxury brand.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEED/COMMUNICATION IS HERMES (e.g., 'The new fibre optics are the Hermes of data transmission.'). LUXURY/EXCLUSIVITY IS HERMES (referring to the brand).
Practice
Quiz
In a modern business context, 'Hermes' most likely refers to: