How Do You Spell PYRRHIC?

Pronunciation: [pˈɪrhɪk] (IPA)

Pyrrhic is a word with a challenging spelling. It is pronounced as /ˈpɪrɪk/ (peer-rik) in IPA phonetic transcription. The word refers to a type of victory that comes at a significant cost. The term originates from ancient Greece and comes from the name of the general Pyrrhus, who won a series of costly battles. The spelling of Pyrrhic is not intuitive, so it is frequently misspelled. Remember to include two r's and the letter y when spelling Pyrrhic.

PYRRHIC Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "pyrrhic" is an adjective derived from the Greek word "Pyrrichios," referencing the traditional war dance performed by ancient Greek armed dancers. In the English language, it primarily serves as a metaphorical adjective, describing a victory or success that turns out to be more costly or damaging than beneficial.

    A pyrrhic triumph is characterized by its hollowness, as although it may be initially celebrated, it ultimately proves to be a defeat in disguise. Such victories emerge when the victory comes at an exceedingly high or disproportionate price, potentially leading to significant losses, both in terms of resources and overall progress. This concept emphasizes the concept that the price paid for the achievement is greater than the value of the accomplishment itself.

    Pyrrhic can also describe any action or endeavor that results in a similarly excessive cost or sacrifice, rendering it counterproductive or self-defeating. It epitomizes a situation where the negative consequences overshadow the positive outcomes, leaving the individual or group worse off than before the attempt.

    The term pyrrhic has extended beyond its connection to military campaigns, now encompassing various domains such as politics, economics, and relationships, where an outcome that initially appears victorious ultimately proves disastrous. It serves as a cautionary reminder to consider the overall cost and potential consequences of an action, regardless of the immediate benefits it may appear to offer.

Common Misspellings for PYRRHIC

Etymology of PYRRHIC

The word "pyrrhic" has its origins in ancient Greece. It comes from the Greek word "pyrrhikhē" (Πυρρίχη), which refers to a type of war dance performed by Spartans in honor of the god Apollo, specifically after a victory in battle. This dance involved precise footwork and rhythm, and the term "pyrrhic" eventually came to be associated with a specific type of metrical foot in poetry, which consisted of two short syllables. In English, the term "pyrrhic" is primarily used to describe a metrical foot consisting of two unstressed syllables (˘ ˘), but it can also be used more broadly to describe anything that is achieved at a great cost or results in a minimal gain, much like the concept of "victory at a great cost" associated with the pyrrhic war dance.

Idioms with the word PYRRHIC

  • a Pyrrhic victory The idiom "a Pyrrhic victory" refers to a situation where someone wins or achieves a goal, but at such a high cost or with such devastating consequences that the victory itself becomes meaningless or empty. It is derived from the Greek general Pyrrhus, who supposedly won a battle against the Romans but suffered such heavy losses that his victory ultimately led to his downfall. Thus, a Pyrrhic victory implies that the benefits gained are outweighed by the significant drawbacks or losses incurred.

Similar spelling words for PYRRHIC

Plural form of PYRRHIC is PYRRHICS

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