obolus Definition
- 1a silver coin of ancient Greece, worth one sixth of a drachma
- 2a small contribution or donation
Using obolus: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "obolus" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I gave an obolus to the beggar on the street.
Example
The museum displayed a collection of ancient oboli.
Example
He made an obolus contribution to the charity fund.
Example
The obolus was used as a payment for crossing the river.
obolus Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for obolus
Phrases with obolus
widow's obolus
a small charitable donation given by the poor to the church
Example
She donated her widow's obolus to the local church.
Example
In Greek mythology, the dead had to pay the obolus to Charon to cross the River Styx.
Example
The obolus of St. Peter is a symbolic donation made by Catholics to support the Church.
Origins of obolus
from Greek 'obolos', meaning 'a spit'
Summary: obolus in Brief
'Obolus' [ˈɑːbələs] refers to a silver coin of ancient Greece worth one sixth of a drachma, or a small contribution or donation. It can be used in phrases like 'widow's obolus,' a small charitable donation given by the poor to the church, and 'pay the obolus,' to pay the fee required to cross the River Styx in Greek mythology.