ANACREONTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Anacreontic, derived from the ancient Greek poet Anacreon, is an adjective used to describe something that resembles or imitates the style or content of his poetry. Anacreon was known for his lyric poetry, particularly his songs and hymns praising love, wine, and merriment. Therefore, when something is described as Anacreontic, it means it evokes the joyful spirit, lively themes, or exuberant and seductive tone associated with Anacreon's works.
In the realm of music, an Anacreontic song refers to a popular song or hymn with a light and cheerful character, often accompanied by a stringed instrument or a small ensemble. Such compositions are typically composed to celebrate love, joy, and the pleasures of life. The term gained prominence during the late 18th century when English composer John Stafford Smith set a poem written by Ralph Tomlinson to music, creating "The Anacreontic Song" which later became the tune for the American national anthem, " The Star-Spangled Banner."
In a broader sense, Anacreontic can describe any work of art, literature, or other creative endeavors that embody the spirit of Anacreon's themes, such as the celebration of hedonism, youthful beauty, or vivaciousness. It can also imply a light-hearted and playful nature, reminiscent of the carefree and love-centered poetry of Anacreon himself. Overall, Anacreontic serves as a term that characterizes content, style, or tone of various artistic expressions that echo the characteristics found in the works of the Greek poet Anacreon.
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After the manner of the Greek poet Anacreon; joyous.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ANACREONTIC
- znacreontic
- snacreontic
- wnacreontic
- qnacreontic
- abacreontic
- amacreontic
- ajacreontic
- ahacreontic
- anzcreontic
- anscreontic
- anwcreontic
- anqcreontic
- anaxreontic
- anavreontic
- anafreontic
- anadreontic
- anaceeontic
- anacdeontic
- anacfeontic
- anacrrontic
Etymology of ANACREONTIC
The word "Anacreontic" is derived from the name of the Greek poet, Anacreon. Anacreon was a lyric poet who lived in the 6th century BCE and was renowned for his verses on love, wine, and revelry. His poems were often set to music and became popular in ancient Greece.
During the 18th century, a group of English poets, such as Thomas Moore and Robert Burns, took inspiration from Anacreon's themes and created their own poems in a similar style. These poems were characterized by their light, convivial, and often amatory nature. Since they emulated Anacreon's work, they came to be known as "Anacreontic" poems.
Over time, the term "Anacreontic" expanded beyond poetry to describe anything that is joyful, festive, or celebratory in nature, as it reflects the spirit of Anacreon's work.
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