The word "bacchic" refers to the ancient Roman god of wine, Bacchus, and his wild, drunken celebrations. The spelling of "bacchic" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈbækɪk/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound, followed by a hard "c" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound and a soft "c" sound. The correct spelling of "bacchic" is important to ensure clear communication and accurate understanding of its meaning.
Bacchic is an adjective that pertains to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and revelry, who is equivalent to the Greek god Dionysus. The term is used to describe qualities or associations related to this deity, his worship, or the wild festivities and excesses that were associated with him.
In a literal sense, bacchic refers to anything involving wine or drunkenness, often characterized by boisterous merriment and unrestrained revelry. It signifies the uninhibited, hedonistic and ecstatic nature associated with the indulgence in alcoholic beverages, often leading to a state of intoxication. Bacchic celebrations were known for their frenzied and effusive atmosphere, where participants would engage in ecstatic dances, singing, and other uninhibited behaviors.
More generally, the term bacchic can also encompass a broader range of characteristics and activities that resemble or evoke the spirit of Bacchus or the rituals associated with him. It can refer to indulging in any form of excessive pleasure or gratification, whether related to wine or not. Bacchic can also be used figuratively to describe passionate or intense emotions, behaviors, or creative expressions, which may exhibit a similar level of intensity as the frenzied festivities linked to the worship of Bacchus.
In summary, bacchic pertains to the worship, characteristics, or behaviors associated with Bacchus, telling of the uninhibited revelry, intoxication, and indulgence in pleasures that are closely associated with the god of wine and ecstatic celebrations.
Jovial; drunken.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "bacchic" derives from the name "Bacchus", which was the Roman counterpart of the Greek god Dionysus. Dionysus/Bacchus was the god of wine, fertility, and revelry in Greek and Roman mythology. The term "Bacchic" relates to or is associated with the rituals, ecstatic ceremonies, and excessive indulgence in wine and other pleasures that were associated with the worship of Bacchus/Dionysus. The word "Bacchic" entered the English language in the early 17th century.