tiresias: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary/Academic
Quick answer
What does “tiresias” mean?
A blind prophet from Greek mythology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A blind prophet from Greek mythology.
A symbolic figure representing prophetic insight despite physical blindness, often associated with duality, transformation, and wisdom in literary contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, pronunciation, or spelling.
Connotations
Similarly viewed as a mythological symbol in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, confined to specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “tiresias” in a Sentence
Tiresias is known for [prophecy].Tiresias was transformed into [a woman].Tiresias advised [Oedipus].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in mythology, literature, and classical studies courses.
Everyday
Rarely used outside educational or literary discussions.
Technical
Referenced in mythological texts and literary analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tiresias”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tiresias”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tiresias”
- Mispronounced as /taɪərˈsiːəs/ or /tɪˈriːziəs/.
- Misspelled as 'Tiresius' or 'Tyresias'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Tiresias was a blind prophet in Greek mythology, renowned for his foresight and often appearing in tales involving gods and heroes.
In various myths, Tiresias was blinded by the gods as punishment for revealing divine secrets or as a paradoxical gift to enhance his prophetic abilities.
Tiresias features in classical texts like Homer's Odyssey and Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, as well as in modern poetry and drama, such as T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land.
Tiresias symbolizes the duality of human experience, the connection between blindness and insight, and the transformative power of prophecy.
A blind prophet from Greek mythology.
Tiresias is usually literary/academic in register.
Tiresias: in British English it is pronounced /taɪˈriːsiəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /taɪˈriːsiəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the blindness of Tiresias”
- “as insightful as Tiresias”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tire' and 'see' – Tiresias tires of seeing the future, leading to his symbolic blindness.
Conceptual Metaphor
Blindness as a conduit for deeper insight or truth.
Practice
Quiz
What is Tiresias primarily known for?