How Do You Spell COTHURNUS?

Pronunciation: [kˈɒθɜːnəs] (IPA)

Cothurnus is a word derived from Greek mythology, referring to the tall, thick-soled boots worn by tragic actors. The spelling of Cothurnus is pronounced /kəˈθɜrnəs/, with the stress placed on the second syllable. The "th" sound is represented by the Greek letter "theta" in the word's original spelling, while the "u" in "Cothurnus" is to indicate the word's Latinization. The spelling of this word may be tricky for some, but it is essential for those looking to understand and discuss ancient Greek theater.

COTHURNUS Meaning and Definition

1. Cothurnus refers to a term used in ancient Greek theatre to describe a type of high, thick-soled boot worn by actors playing tragic roles. These boots were typically made of leather and reached up to the calf of the leg. The purpose of wearing Cothurnus boots was to provide an elevated platform for the actors, making them appear taller and more imposing on stage. The term "cothurnus" is derived from the Greek word "kothornos," which refers to the lacing or fastening of a shoe.

   The Cothurnus boots were an iconic symbol of tragedy in Greek theatre. They signified the grandeur and dignity of the tragic hero or heroine, elevating them both literally and metaphorically. The added height also helped actors to be seen and heard more clearly by the audience in the large open-air amphitheatres.

   Cothurnus boots were often accompanied by rich and elaborate costumes, including long flowing robes, masks, and other accessories. These elements combined to create a visually striking representation of the tragic characters and their larger-than-life emotions.

   In contemporary usage, the term "Cothurnus" can also refer to a high-heeled theatrical boot or shoe, particularly when used in a more generalized context outside of ancient Greek theatre. The word "cothurnus" continues to evoke a sense of drama, theatricality, and elegance, reflecting its historical origins in the world of Greek tragedy.

Common Misspellings for COTHURNUS

• xothurnus
• vothurnus
• fothurnus
• dothurnus
• cithurnus
• ckthurnus
• clthurnus
• cpthurnus
• c0thurnus
• c9thurnus
• corhurnus
• cofhurnus
• coghurnus
• coyhurnus
• co6hurnus
• co5hurnus
• cotgurnus
• cotburnus
• cotnurnus
• cotjurnus

Etymology of COTHURNUS

The word "Cothurnus" has its roots in ancient Greek.

The term comes from the Greek word "kothornos" (κόθορνος), which referred to a type of high-soled shoe or boot worn by actors in ancient Greek theater. These shoes were associated with tragedy and typically had thick, elevated soles that added height and grandeur to the actors' appearance on stage.

Over time, "kothornos" came to represent the tragic aspect of theater itself and was used metaphorically to symbolize the elevated style and lofty nature of tragic drama. In Latin, "kothornos" became "cothurnus", which continued to refer to the elevated, tragic style of theater. The term eventually spread to English and other languages, still carrying the connotation of heightened drama or grandiosity.

Plural form of COTHURNUS is COTHURNI