Hesperian is a term used to describe something related to the western part of the world, typically the Americas. The spelling may seem unusual, but it follows the rules of English phonetics. The first syllable, "hes," contains a short "e" sound, represented in IPA as /hɛs/. The second syllable, "pe," contains a long "e" sound, represented as /pi/. The final syllable, "rian," contains a short "i" sound, represented as /riən/. Altogether, the word is pronounced /hɛspɛriən/.
Hesperian, as an adjective, relates to or originates from the western part of the world, particularly in reference to the countries of the Western Hemisphere. The term is derived from "Hesperus," the Greek name for Venus, the evening star, which is visible in the western sky after sunset. In this context, hesperian suggests the geographical location where the evening star shines, namely the Americas and the western regions of the Earth.
Moreover, the term hesperian can also be used as a noun, referring to a native or inhabitant of the Hesperides, a group of nymphs from Ancient Greek mythology. The Hesperides were said to live in a magnificent garden located in the far western corner of the world, guarded by a dragon and containing golden apples that granted eternal youth.
In a broader sense, hesperian can be associated with the concepts of the Occident, the West, or Western civilization. It embodies the cultures, languages, and civilizations of the Americas and other Western countries.
Overall, the adjective hesperian describes a connection to the western regions of the Earth while the noun refers to mythical beings associated with the westernmost parts of the world.
Western; situated at the west.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word hesperian is derived from the Latin word Hesperius, which refers to the region of Hesperia. In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, Hesperia was believed to be a land in the western regions near the setting sun, often associated with prosperity and peace. Over time, Hesperius and its derived form hesperian came to describe anything related to the western regions or the evening hours. Nowadays, hesperian is primarily used as a literary or poetic term to mean western or pertaining to the evening.