megaera: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Archaic/Literary)Literary, Poetic, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “megaera” mean?
One of the three Furies (Erinyes) in Greek mythology, representing vengeful anger and punishment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the three Furies (Erinyes) in Greek mythology, representing vengeful anger and punishment.
Used allusively to denote a harsh, shrewish, or vengeful woman.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, as the term is equally rare and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of mythic fury, vengefulness, and a frightening female character.
Frequency
Extremely low and declining in both. Might be marginally more likely in British texts due to classical education traditions, but this is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “megaera” in a Sentence
[Proper noun]; used in apposition (e.g., 'the Megaera, one of the Furies') or with 'like' for simile.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “megaera” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Her Megaera-like outburst silenced the room.
American English
- He faced her Megaera-esque rage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, only in classical studies or literary analysis discussing mythology or character archetypes.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “megaera”
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a megaera') in modern prose. Treating it as a contemporary insult rather than a literary allusion. Misspelling (Megara, Megera).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and archaic outside of discussions of Greek mythology or highly literary texts.
It would be highly unconventional and stylistically jarring, as the figure is specifically female. Terms like 'Fury' or 'avenging spirit' would be more gender-neutral.
In some sources, the Furies are undifferentiated. Where distinctions are made, Megaera is often associated with jealousy and envy, Alecto with unending anger, and Tisiphone with vengeful murder.
As an archaic literary term, it carries the offensive force of calling a woman a shrew or a harpy. It is derogatory and not appropriate for modern, respectful discourse.
One of the three Furies (Erinyes) in Greek mythology, representing vengeful anger and punishment.
Megaera is usually literary, poetic, archaic in register.
Megaera: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˈdʒɪərə/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈdʒɪrə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The name itself is used figuratively.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MEGA-ERA of anger; the 'Mega' suggests great size, and 'era' suggests lasting time, helping recall a figure of great, enduring wrath.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS A SUPERNATURAL FEMALE AVENGER.
Practice
Quiz
In a literary context, calling a character 'a Megaera' primarily suggests she is: