English Explanatory Dictionary

dithyramb

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A raucous and ardent choral hymn sung in ancient Athens in honor of the god Dionysus.
  2. A poem or oration in the same style.
  3. An impassioned speech; a rant.

Pronunciation

/ˈdɪθ.ɪ.ɹæm/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-dithyramb.wav

Word forms

dithyramb dithyrambs

Etymology

From Latin dithyrambus, from Ancient Greek δῑθύραμβος (dīthúrambos). According to the American Heritage Dictionary, it is of non-Indo-European origin (Pre-Greek substrate, Illyrian/Phrygian), related to θρίαμβος (thríambos) and ἴαμβος (íambos). Brandenstein also compares Sanskrit अङ्ग (aṅga, “member”).

Synonyms

admonition condemnation diatribe dithyramb harangue impugnation j'accuse jeremiad philippic polemic rant screed slanging match tirade

Derived words

dithyrambic
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