parnassian Definition
- 1pertaining to Mount Parnassus, Apollo's mountain in central Greece
- 2relating to poetry of a formal or self-consciously literary nature
Phrases with parnassian
a group of French poets who wrote during the latter half of the 19th century, characterized by their formal style and polished language
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a movement in French poetry characterized by a concern for formal perfection, restraint, and objectivity
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a festival held every nine years at Delphi in honor of Apollo and the Muses
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Origins of parnassian
from Parnassus, a mountain in central Greece, regarded as the home of the Muses and sacred to Apollo
Summary: parnassian in Brief
The term 'parnassian' [pahr-nas-ee-uhn] has two main meanings. Firstly, it relates to Mount Parnassus, Apollo's mountain in central Greece. Secondly, it refers to poetry of a formal or self-consciously literary nature. The term is often used to describe the Parnassian poets, a group of French poets who wrote during the latter half of the 19th century, characterized by their formal style and polished language.