希腊神话故事英语词源(通用3篇)
希腊神话故事英语词源 篇一
Greek Mythology and Its English Etymology
Introduction:
Greek mythology is a rich source of inspiration for literature, art, and even language. Many English words and phrases have their origins in these ancient stories. In this article, we will explore some of the most fascinating English etymologies that can be traced back to Greek mythology.
1. Pandora's Box:
The expression "Pandora's box" refers to a source of endless troubles or misfortunes. In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first woman created by the gods. She was given a box by Zeus and instructed never to open it. However, her curiosity got the better of her, and she released all the evils and miseries into the world. The phrase "Pandora's box" is now used to describe a situation that leads to unexpected and disastrous consequences.
2. Achilles' Heel:
The term "Achilles' heel" is used to describe a vulnerability or weakness. In Greek mythology, Achilles was a hero of the Trojan War, known for his invulnerability. However, he had one weak spot – his heel, which was not protected by the water of the River Styx. The phrase "Achilles' heel" is now used to describe a person's vulnerable area.
3. Narcissism:
The term "narcissism" comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a beautiful young man who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. He was so infatuated with his own image that he could not tear himself away, eventually dying by the side of the pool. The word "narcissism" now refers to excessive self-love or vanity.
4. Odyssey:
The word "odyssey" is derived from the epic poem "The Odyssey" by Homer. It tells the story of Odysseus, a hero of the Trojan War, and his long and adventurous journey back home to Ithaca. The term "odyssey" is now used to describe a long and eventful journey.
5. Herculean:
The word "Herculean" is derived from the name Hercules, a legendary hero in Greek mythology known for his incredible strength. The term "Herculean" now refers to a task or challenge that requires great strength or effort.
Conclusion:
Greek mythology has had a profound influence on the English language, with many words and phrases deriving from these ancient stories. From "Pandora's box" to "Herculean," these etymologies remind us of the enduring power and relevance of Greek mythology in shaping our language and culture.
希腊神话故事英语词源 篇二
The Influence of Greek Mythology on English Language
Introduction:
Greek mythology, with its rich tapestry of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures, has had a significant impact on the English language. In this article, we will explore how Greek mythology has shaped the English language through the etymology of various words and phrases.
1. Nemesis:
The term "nemesis" has its roots in Greek mythology. Nemesis was the goddess of retribution and vengeance, who punished those guilty of hubris, or excessive pride. In English, the word "nemesis" now refers to a person's ultimate downfall or a persistent rival.
2. Mentor:
The term "mentor" comes from the character Mentor in Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey." Mentor was a trusted counselor and guide to Odysseus' son, Telemachus. In English, a mentor is someone who provides guidance and support to another person, often in a professional or educational context.
3. Echo:
The word "echo" traces its origins back to the Greek myth of Echo and Narcissus. Echo was a nymph cursed by Hera to only be able to repeat the last words spoken to her. In English, an echo refers to a sound that is reflected back, or a repetition of someone else's words.
4. Tantalize:
The term "tantalize" comes from the myth of Tantalus, a mortal punished by the gods for his crimes. Tantalus was condemned to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree, with the water receding every time he tried to drink and the fruit moving out of reach every time he reached for it. In English, to tantalize means to torment or tease someone with something desirable but out of reach.
5. Muse:
The word "muse" is derived from the Greek muses, the goddesses of inspiration in Greek mythology. The muses were believed to inspire artists, musicians, and poets. In English, a muse refers to a person or thing that inspires creativity.
Conclusion:
Greek mythology has left an indelible mark on the English language, with many words and phrases finding their origins in these ancient stories. From "nemesis" to "muse," the influence of Greek mythology on the English language serves as a testament to the enduring power and relevance of these myths in shaping our culture and language.
希腊神话故事英语词源 篇三
精选希腊神话故事英语词源
18.The writing/Finger on the Wall 不详之兆；大祸临头
这个成语的字面意思是“墙上的文字（或手指）”，而实际含义是 a sign or warning ofimpending disaste（迫在眉睫的凶兆）；a sign that sth bad will happen; a feeling that ones numberis up；等等。其语言外壳与内涵是怎样联系起来的呢？还是出自《圣经》。
据《旧约。但以理书》(Daniel)第 5 章记述：有一次古巴比伦(Babylonian)的国王伯沙撒 (Belshazar)正在宫殿里设宴纵饮时，突然，不知从哪里出现了一个神秘的手指，当者国王的 面，在王宫与灯台相对的粉墙上写西了四个奇怪的单词：MENE（弥尼）、MENE（弥尼）、 ＴＥＫＥＬ（提客勒）、ＵＰＨＡＲＳＩＮＧ （乌法珥新）。国王张皇失措，惊恐万分，谁 也不懂墙上所写的字是什么意思。后来叫来了被虏的犹太预言家但以理，才明白了这几个字 的意思就是大难临头。他说：“弥尼就是上帝已经数算你国的`年日到此为完毕；提客勒就是你被称在天平里显出你的亏欠；乌法珥新就是你的国分裂，归与玛代人和波斯人。”果然，当夜 伯沙撒被杀，又 62 岁的玛代人大利乌取而代之。
因此，“墙上的文字（或手指）”就表示身死国亡的凶兆。英语中这个成语有几种表达方式： the writing/handwriting on the wall 或 a finger on the wall,通常与 be，like 等系动词连用；有时 写成 see/read the writin
eg:This inexplicable incident seemed,like the Babylonian finger on the wall,to be spelling out the letter of my judgement...
In this house of his there was writing on every wall.His business-like temperament protested against a mysterious warning that she was not made for him.
John's emplyer had less and less work for him;John could read the writing on the wall.
The writing on the wall is clear:if man behaves like an animal and allow hs population to increase while each nation steadily increases he coplexity and range of its environment,nature will take her course and the law of the Jungle will prevail.
When Bill's team lost four games in a row,he saw the handwriting on the wall.
