lilith: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized / Literary
Quick answer
What does “lilith” mean?
A female demon figure from Jewish mythology, often portrayed as Adam's first wife who rebelled against him and became a supernatural threat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female demon figure from Jewish mythology, often portrayed as Adam's first wife who rebelled against him and became a supernatural threat.
In modern usage, often a symbol of rebellious or dangerous female power, independence, and feminine rage. Can refer to a strong, independent, or seductive woman, sometimes in feminist discourse or popular culture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, primarily found in academic, literary, or esoteric contexts. No significant dialectal variation.
Connotations
Connotations are consistent: mythological, dark feminine, powerful, potentially dangerous.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. Might be slightly more recognized in American pop culture due to its use in TV shows, comics, and video games.
Grammar
How to Use “lilith” in a Sentence
Lilith + [verb of being/acting] (e.g., Lilith is depicted as...)Lilith + [possessive] + noun (e.g., Lilith's rebellion)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lilith” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (extremely rare, non-standard) The character was said to have been lilithing through the night, stealing the breath of infants. (as a coined verb)
American English
- (extremely rare, non-standard) She wasn't just arguing; she was full-on lilithing against the establishment. (as a coined verb)
adverb
British English
- She looked at him lilithingly, with a cold, defiant stare. (poetic/coined)
American English
- She rejected the offer lilith-like, without a second thought. (simile used adverbially)
adjective
British English
- Her lilithian independence was both admired and feared.
American English
- The film had a dark, Lilith-like quality in its portrayal of the heroine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, mythology, gender studies, and literature departments.
Everyday
Very rare. May appear in discussions of mythology, feminism, or supernatural fiction.
Technical
Used in demonology, Kabbalistic studies, and certain branches of occultism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lilith”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lilith”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lilith”
- Pronouncing it with a long 'i' (like 'lie-lith').
- Spelling it as 'Lillith' (double L is less common).
- Assuming it's a common noun rather than a proper name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Lilith is not mentioned in the canonical Hebrew Bible. Her story comes from later Jewish folklore, Midrash, and mystical texts like the Zohar.
In the folklore tradition, Lilith was created equal to Adam and rebelled, demanding equality, whereas Eve was created from Adam's rib and is portrayed as subordinate. Lilith represents rebellion; Eve represents compliance (in traditional readings).
It is a rare but established given name, primarily in English-speaking countries. Its use often carries an intentional reference to the mythological figure's traits of strength and independence.
Almost never in standard English. It is predominantly a proper noun referring to the specific figure. Any use as a common noun (e.g., 'a lilith') would be highly poetic, metaphorical, and non-standard.
A female demon figure from Jewish mythology, often portrayed as Adam's first wife who rebelled against him and became a supernatural threat.
Lilith is usually specialized / literary in register.
Lilith: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪl.ɪθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪl.ɪθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(modern, rare) A Lilith complex - a tendency towards fierce female independence or rebellion against patriarchal structures.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LILITH - LIke LIsa, The Hell-raiser. (Lisa as a rebel, 'hell' connecting to the demonic aspect).
Conceptual Metaphor
INDEPENDENCE IS DEMONIC REBELLION; FEMININE POWER IS A SUPERNATURAL THREAT.
Practice
Quiz
In modern contexts, 'Lilith' is most likely to be discussed in which field?