hope diamond: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Academic / Historical / Cultural
Quick answer
What does “hope diamond” mean?
The Hope Diamond is a famous, large, deep-blue diamond, historically associated with a legendary curse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The Hope Diamond is a famous, large, deep-blue diamond, historically associated with a legendary curse.
A culturally iconic gemstone, representing immense value, historical intrigue, and a symbol of beauty intertwined with alleged misfortune. Often used metonymically for something of great but perilous value or a famous historical artifact.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The name is internationally standard. Spelling of 'diamond' is consistent.
Connotations
Same core connotations of historical value, beauty, and superstition in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, appearing in similar historical, cultural, or metaphorical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hope diamond” in a Sentence
The [Hope Diamond] [is displayed/remains/is said to be]...[Someone] [owns/possesses/views] the [Hope Diamond].The [legend/history/curse] of the [Hope Diamond]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hope diamond” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The museum hopes to continue displaying the Hope Diamond for years to come.
American English
- They hoped to see the Hope Diamond during their visit to Washington, D.C.
adjective
British English
- The Hope Diamond exhibition is a major tourist attraction.
American English
- She was fascinated by Hope Diamond lore and its storied past.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Could appear metaphorically in risk assessment: 'This acquisition could be our Hope Diamond—stunning but risky.'
Academic
Used in history, gemology, museum studies, and cultural history texts discussing its provenance, curse mythology, or display.
Everyday
Used in general knowledge, trivia, or when discussing famous curses, museums (the Smithsonian), or extraordinary valuables.
Technical
Used in gemology for its specific characteristics (fancy deep greyish-blue colour, Type IIb diamond).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hope diamond”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hope diamond”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hope diamond”
- Writing in lower case ('hope diamond').
- Referring to multiple 'Hope diamonds'. It is one specific artifact.
- Incorrectly stating it is a 'red diamond'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is permanently housed in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., USA.
The curse is considered a legend or myth, amplified by journalists and storytellers. There is no scientific evidence to support it.
It is named after Henry Philip Hope, a British banking heir and gem collector who owned it in the 19th century.
Its distinctive blue colour comes from trace amounts of boron atoms within its carbon crystal structure.
The Hope Diamond is a famous, large, deep-blue diamond, historically associated with a legendary curse.
Hope diamond is usually formal / academic / historical / cultural in register.
Hope diamond: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊp ˌdaɪ(ə)mənd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊp ˌdaɪ(ə)mənd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a Hope Diamond situation (something valuable but troublesome)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOPE for the best, but this DIAMOND is said to bring the worst luck. It's famously HOPED to be seen at the museum.
Conceptual Metaphor
VALUABLE OBJECTS ARE DANGEROUS BURDENS / FAME IS A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD / HISTORY IS A NARRATIVE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the Hope Diamond primarily known for?