parnassus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialized/literary)Literary, formal, academic (especially in arts and humanities)
Quick answer
What does “parnassus” mean?
A mountain in central Greece, historically sacred to Apollo and the Muses in Greek mythology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mountain in central Greece, historically sacred to Apollo and the Muses in Greek mythology.
A center of poetic or artistic activity; a symbol of literature, learning, or artistic achievement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use it in the same literary/academic contexts.
Connotations
High culture, classical tradition, elitism (in art/poetry).
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “parnassus” in a Sentence
[verb] Parnassus (e.g., ascend, climb, reach)[prepositional phrase] of Parnassus (e.g., the slopes of Parnassus)Parnassus as a [noun] (e.g., as a symbol)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parnassus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Parnassian ideals
- a Parnassian poet
American English
- Parnassian imagery
- a Parnassian style
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in literature, classics, art history, and cultural studies courses and texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in geography/history to refer to the specific mountain. In literary criticism, used metaphorically.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parnassus”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parnassus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parnassus”
- Misspelling as 'Parnasus' or 'Parnassos'. Using it as a common noun without capitalization.
- Using it in inappropriate informal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word used almost exclusively in literary, academic, or formal contexts related to the arts and classics.
It would sound highly unusual and pretentious in everyday conversation. It is reserved for specific contexts where the classical or artistic metaphor is understood.
The adjective is 'Parnassian', as in 'Parnassian poetry', referring to a 19th-century French literary movement or, more generally, to lofty poetic style.
Both are mountains in Greece sacred to the Muses in mythology. They are often used interchangeably as symbols for poetry, though Parnassus (also sacred to Apollo) is more commonly used in modern English as the primary metaphor.
A mountain in central Greece, historically sacred to Apollo and the Muses in Greek mythology.
Parnassus is usually literary, formal, academic (especially in arts and humanities) in register.
Parnassus: in British English it is pronounced /pɑːˈnæsəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɑːrˈnæsəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to climb Parnassus (to strive for poetic excellence)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a poet's 'PASS' to fame—you need to climb 'PAR-NASS-US' to reach the peak of art.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT IS A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB (Parnassus is the specific, lofty mountain).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary metaphorical meaning of 'Parnassus'?