How Do You Spell CORYPHEE?

Pronunciation: [kˈɔːɹɪfˌiː] (IPA)

The word "Coryphee" is spelled in a slightly unusual way, which can cause confusion for those who are not familiar with it. The correct pronunciation is /kɔːrɪˈfiː/, which can be broken down into four distinct sounds: the 'k' sound at the beginning, followed by the vowel sound 'aw' as in 'law', then the sound 'r', and finally the long 'ee' sound. The word refers to a principal dancer in a ballet company and is of French origin, which explains its unusual spelling.

CORYPHEE Meaning and Definition

1. Coryphee refers to a term that has different meanings across different fields of study. In the field of ballet, coryphee is defined as a senior member of the ballet company who holds a position below the principal dancers. This position is often considered prestigious as coryphees are recognized for their exceptional skill, stage presence, and experience. They typically perform solo roles and are responsible for leading the corps de ballet, which consists of the ensemble of dancers.

   Outside the context of ballet, coryphee can also have more general definitions. In literature, it can refer to a chorus leader or a principal dancer in ancient Greek tragedies. The term is derived from the Greek word koryphaios, which means "leader" or "principal."

   Additionally, coryphee can be used metaphorically to describe an exceptional or prominent figure in any field of expertise. In this context, it denotes someone who stands out and leads others through their skills, knowledge, or accomplishments.

   Overall, coryphee is a nuanced term that primarily describes a senior ballet dancer below the principal rank but can also reference specific roles in ancient Greek tragedies or metaphorically denote exceptional figures in various fields.

Common Misspellings for CORYPHEE

• coryhee
• Corrphe

Etymology of CORYPHEE

The word "Coryphée" originates from the Greek word "koryphaios", which means "leader" or "chief". In the context of ballet, a "Coryphée" refers to a soloist or a member of the corps de ballet who has been given a featured role. This term was borrowed into French as "Coryphée" and later into English, retaining its original meaning.