How Do You Spell DEUS EX MACHINA?

Pronunciation: [dˈe͡ɪʊs ˈɛks məʃˈiːnə] (IPA)

Deus Ex Machina is a Latin phrase commonly used in literature and theater which means "god from the machine." The spelling of this phrase can be broken down phonetically as [deus eks makʰina]. The first syllable "deus" is pronounced as [de-us] with a stressed "e" sound. The second syllable "ex" is pronounced as [eks] with a short "e" sound. The last two syllables "machina" are pronounced as [ma-kʰi-na] with emphasis on the first syllable and a long "i" sound.

DEUS EX MACHINA Meaning and Definition

  1. Deus Ex Machina is a term derived from Latin, which translates to "god from the machine" in English. Primarily used in literature, theater, and film, it refers to a narrative device where an unexpected, artificial or abrupt solution is introduced to resolve a seemingly unsolvable problem or conflict.

    In storytelling, Deus Ex Machina often involves the sudden appearance of a previously unknown character, an extraordinary event, or a supernatural force to conveniently resolve the plot. This device can be seen as a literary shortcut or a form of narrative contrivance, as it often circumvents the build-up of tension, logical progression, and character development in the story. The intervention is typically without foreshadowing or proper justification and can leave the audience feeling cheated or disengaged from the narrative.

    Historically, Deus Ex Machina has its origins in ancient Greek theater, where a god would be dramatically lowered onto the stage using a crane-like machine to offer a solution or save the characters from their predicaments. This theatrical convention later expanded into other dramatic mediums and continues to be used in modern literature and cinema.

    While Deus Ex Machina can serve as a useful tool to tie loose ends or inject surprise into a work, it often receives criticism for being a cop-out or lazy writing, as it undermines the development of organic and satisfying resolutions. As a result, many contemporary storytellers strive to avoid relying on this contrived technique in favor of more inventive and plausible solutions.

Common Misspellings for DEUS EX MACHINA

  • seus ex machina
  • xeus ex machina
  • ceus ex machina
  • feus ex machina
  • reus ex machina
  • eeus ex machina
  • dwus ex machina
  • dsus ex machina
  • ddus ex machina
  • drus ex machina
  • d4us ex machina
  • d3us ex machina
  • deys ex machina
  • dehs ex machina
  • dejs ex machina
  • deis ex machina
  • de8s ex machina
  • de7s ex machina
  • deua ex machina

Idioms with the word DEUS EX MACHINA

  • a deus ex machina "A deus ex machina" is an idiom that refers to an unexpected, contrived, and often unsatisfying resolution to a problem or conflict. It comes from a theatrical term used in ancient Greek plays, where a god would descend onto the stage using a mechanical device (machina) to resolve the plot or save the protagonists from a difficult situation. In the context of storytelling or real-life situations, "a deus ex machina" implies a sudden and improbable solution or intervention that resolves a problem without proper development or logical explanation.
  • deus ex machina The idiom "deus ex machina" refers to a plot device used in literature, theater, or film, where a seemingly unsolvable problem or conflict is abruptly resolved by the unexpected intervention of an external, divine or powerful force. The term is originally from Greek theater, where a god or goddess would descend onto the stage using a mechanical device (machina) to resolve the story. In its modern usage, "deus ex machina" refers to any contrived or unrealistic resolution that helps tie up loose ends or resolve conflicts in a convenient and often unsatisfying manner.

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