hippomenes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely RareAcademic, Literary, Mythological
Quick answer
What does “hippomenes” mean?
In Greek mythology, Hippomenes is a male figure, a prince of either Boeotian Onchestus or Arcadia, most famous for winning the hand of the swift-footed heroine Atalanta in a footrace.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Greek mythology, Hippomenes is a male figure, a prince of either Boeotian Onchestus or Arcadia, most famous for winning the hand of the swift-footed heroine Atalanta in a footrace.
The name is primarily used in mythological, literary, and academic contexts. In very rare poetic or artistic extensions, 'Hippomenes' might symbolize cunning, victory through wit (using the golden apples), or a successful suitor overcoming impossible odds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences exist. Both varieties use it exclusively in the same mythological context.
Connotations
Classical, erudite, niche.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “hippomenes” in a Sentence
Hippomenes [verb] Atalanta.Hippomenes is [described] as...The story of Hippomenes.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in classical studies, literature, and mythology courses when discussing the Atalanta myth, gender roles, or trickster figures.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to appear in casual conversation.
Technical
Not used in scientific or technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hippomenes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hippomenes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hippomenes”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈhɪpəmiːnz/ (like 'hippie-means').
- Misspelling as 'Hippomenas', 'Hippomenis'.
- Confusing him with other mythological suitors or runners.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most versions of the myth, Hippomenes is a mortal prince, though he receives help from the goddess Aphrodite.
They married. According to Ovid, they were later turned into lions for desecrating a temple of Cybele.
There are conflicting sources in antiquity. Some authors (like Apollodorus) use 'Hippomenes', others (like Theognis) use 'Melanion'. They are generally treated as the same character.
No. It is a highly specialized proper noun from classical mythology. It is not part of the general English lexicon and is not required for everyday communication.
In Greek mythology, Hippomenes is a male figure, a prince of either Boeotian Onchestus or Arcadia, most famous for winning the hand of the swift-footed heroine Atalanta in a footrace.
Hippomenes is usually academic, literary, mythological in register.
Hippomenes: in British English it is pronounced /hɪˈpɒmɪniːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪˈpɑːməniːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HIPPO-MENES: Imagine a HIPPO racing a man (MEN) to remember it's a name from an ancient race. Or: He threw apples (POMES) to HIP (excite) her and win.
Conceptual Metaphor
Hippomenes is METAPHOR FOR THE TRIUMPH OF CUNNING OVER PURE SPEED.
Practice
Quiz
What is Hippomenes most famous for?