Tartarean is a word that describes something that is dark, gloomy or hellish in nature. The spelling of Tartarean comes from the Greek mythological underworld, Tartarus. To break down the spelling, the first syllable is pronounced /tɑːr/ and is spelled with a "t", "a", "r" and "a". The second syllable is pronounced /riːən/ and is spelled with an "e", "a" and "n". Together, the word is pronounced /tɑːtəriən/ and is spelled with two "a"s, two "r"s, an "e" and an "n".
Tartarean is an adjective that refers to something relating to or characteristic of Tartarus, a name from Greek mythology. Tartarus was believed to be the lowest region of the underworld, where the most wicked souls were punished and the Titans, the ancient gods who ruled before the Olympians, were imprisoned.
In a broader sense, tartarean can also describe something that is infernal, hellish, or related to punishment and suffering. It often implies a nightmarish or dreadful nature, evoking a sense of darkness, horror, and torment.
The term can be used to describe literary, artistic, or even real-life scenarios that possess qualities associated with the mythology's concept of Tartarus. For example, a writer might describe a bleak and desolate landscape as tartarean, evoking a sense of oppressive gloom and despair. Similarly, a disturbing or grim scene in a horror movie could be described as tartarean due to its nightmarish or hellish qualities.
Overall, the usage of tartarean serves to emphasize the extreme or sinister nature of something, often drawing upon the mythical imagery and associations of the underworld.
Of or resembling the infernal regions; hellish.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "tartarean" comes from the noun "Tartarus" combined with the suffix "-ean".
"Tartarus" has its roots in Greek mythology, specifically in the ancient Greek religion. In Greek mythology, Tartarus was the deepest abyss of the Underworld, a place of punishment for the wicked and the monstrous. It was often described as a dark and gloomy place where the Titans, giants, and other evildoers were condemned.
The suffix "-ean" is commonly used in English to form adjectives that denote association with or resemblance to a particular place or entity. Hence, when "Tartarus" is combined with "-ean", it forms the adjective "tartarean" which means relating to, resembling, or evocative of Tartarus.