herodias: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareLiterary / Historical / Biblical
Quick answer
What does “herodias” mean?
A female given name of Biblical origin, specifically referring to the wife of Herod Antipas, who demanded the execution of John the Baptist.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female given name of Biblical origin, specifically referring to the wife of Herod Antipas, who demanded the execution of John the Baptist.
In literature and art, it often represents a figure of manipulative, vengeful, or dangerous female power, or a complex historical and mythical persona.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None. Usage is identical and equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Biblical, dramatic, historical, sometimes pejorative.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, appearing almost exclusively in religious, literary, or academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “herodias” in a Sentence
Herodias + verb (e.g., 'demanded', 'plotted')preposition + Herodias (e.g., 'by Herodias', 'for Herodias')Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in theology, history, and literary criticism discussing the New Testament or related art.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Found in Biblical scholarship and historical analyses of the Herodian dynasty.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “herodias”
- Misspelling as 'Herodius' or 'Herodious'. Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a herodias').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and used almost exclusively in historical or religious reference.
Salome was the daughter of Herodias from her first marriage. In the Biblical story, it was Salome who danced for Herod Antipas, but Herodias who demanded John the Baptist's head as a reward.
No, it is strictly a proper noun. The derived adjective is 'Herodian', referring to the dynasty of Herod the Great.
Yes, primarily in the vowel of the first syllable (/ɪ/ vs /ə/) and the second syllable (/əʊ/ vs /oʊ/).
A female given name of Biblical origin, specifically referring to the wife of Herod Antipas, who demanded the execution of John the Baptist.
Herodias is usually literary / historical / biblical in register.
Herodias: in British English it is pronounced /hɪˈrəʊdɪəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /həˈroʊdiəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A dance for Herodias (extremely rare, implying a fatal request)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HE RODE (Herod) with IAS (ias) - Herod rode into trouble because of Herodias.
Conceptual Metaphor
A VENGEFUL PERSON IS HERODIAS.
Practice
Quiz
What is Herodias primarily known for?