vidar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Extremely rare
UK/ˈviː.dɑː/US/ˈvi.dɑr/

Formal, literary, mythological

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “vidar” mean?

A proper noun, referring to a figure in Norse mythology, the son of Odin and the giantess Gríðr, known for surviving Ragnarök.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A proper noun, referring to a figure in Norse mythology, the son of Odin and the giantess Gríðr, known for surviving Ragnarök.

Occasionally used as a rare masculine given name in Scandinavia and in modern contexts inspired by Norse mythology.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in usage, as it is a proper noun from mythology. Might be slightly more familiar in regions with stronger Norse cultural connections.

Connotations

Connotes strength, survival, vengeance (as he avenges Odin's death), and ancient myth. No regional connotative differences.

Frequency

Vanishingly rare in both dialects outside specific contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “vidar” in a Sentence

[Proper Noun] [Verb] (e.g., Vidar survives)[Preposition] [Proper Noun] (e.g., the story of Vidar)

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
the god VidarVidar's vengeanceVidar and Vali
medium
son of Odinsurvived Ragnaröksilent god
weak
strong Vidarmyth of Vidarnamed Vidar

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Used in scholarly works on Norse mythology, religious studies, or comparative literature.

Everyday

Extremely unlikely to be used in everyday conversation, except by enthusiasts.

Technical

Not used in technical fields.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “vidar”

Neutral

the silent godthe avenger

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “vidar”

  • Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'He is a vidar').
  • Mispronouncing it as 'vidder' or 'vye-dar'.
  • Capitalising incorrectly ('vidar' instead of 'Vidar').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is an extremely rare proper noun from Norse mythology, not part of standard English vocabulary.

Yes, it is a legitimate, though uncommon, Scandinavian given name.

He is foretold to survive the apocalyptic battle of Ragnarök and kill the wolf Fenrir to avenge his father Odin's death.

In English, it is typically pronounced VEE-dar, with a long 'ee' sound and stress on the first syllable.

A proper noun, referring to a figure in Norse mythology, the son of Odin and the giantess Gríðr, known for surviving Ragnarök.

Vidar is usually formal, literary, mythological in register.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'VIdeo' of a DARing god who survived the end of the world.

Conceptual Metaphor

A metaphor for quiet strength, resilience, and ultimate vengeance.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
In Norse mythology, is the god who survives Ragnarök.
Multiple Choice

Vidar is primarily known as: