How Do You Spell CORYPHAEUS?

Pronunciation: [kˈɔːɹɪfˌiːəs] (IPA)

Coryphaeus (/kəˈrɪfiːəs/) is a Greek-inspired word that refers to a leader or a guide. The spelling of the word comes from the Greek koryphaios, which means a chief or head of a group or organization. The vowel combination "ae" in the English spelling of the word represents a diphthong, a combination of two adjacent vowel sounds. The "y" represents the Greek letter upsilon, which sounds like the English "u" and is transliterated as "y". The phonetic transcription of the word helps to understand the pronunciation of Coryphaeus.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Plural
Basic Check Advanced Check

CORYPHAEUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Coryphaeus is a noun that originated from the Greek words "koryphaios" and "koryphaios", literally meaning "leader" or "chief". In English, it refers to a person who leads or is in charge of a group, especially in the field of music, drama, or literature.

    The term "coryphaeus" holds particular significance in ancient Greek theater, where it denotes the principal actor or the leader of the chorus. In this context, the coryphaeus was responsible for speaking and singing on behalf of the chorus, providing narrative context, expressing opinions, and interacting with other characters. They played a crucial role in the overall performance, bringing cohesion, rhythm, and harmony to the theatrical production.

    Outside the realm of theater, "coryphaeus" can also be applied more broadly to describe a leading figure or a person at the forefront of a movement or organization. In literature, a coryphaeus could be an influential author or literary critic guiding the artistic course of a particular period or style. Similarly, in music, a coryphaeus might be the conductor of an orchestra or the lead singer of a band, orchestrating and guiding musical performances.

    Overall, "coryphaeus" refers to an individual who assumes a position of leadership or prominence in a specific domain, exemplifying expertise, authority, and influence over their colleagues or peers.

Common Misspellings for CORYPHAEUS

  • Coripheus
  • xoryphaeus
  • voryphaeus
  • foryphaeus
  • doryphaeus
  • ciryphaeus
  • ckryphaeus
  • clryphaeus
  • cpryphaeus
  • c0ryphaeus
  • c9ryphaeus
  • coeyphaeus
  • codyphaeus
  • cofyphaeus
  • cotyphaeus
  • co5yphaeus
  • co4yphaeus
  • cortphaeus
  • corgphaeus
  • corhphaeus

Etymology of CORYPHAEUS

The word "coryphaeus" comes from the Greek word "koryphaios" (κορυφαῖος), which means "leader" or "chorus leader". In ancient Greek theater, the coryphaeus was the principal actor who led the chorus and delivered the prologue and epilogue. The term has been adopted into English to refer to a leader or spokesperson in any field or context.

Plural form of CORYPHAEUS is CORYPHAEI