XANADU Meaning and
Definition
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Xanadu is a noun that refers to an imaginary, exotic, or idealized place of great beauty, luxury, and serenity. The term is derived from the legendary city of Xanadu or Shangdu, which was once the capital of the Mongol Empire in China during the 13th century. The mythical city was associated with opulence and grandeur, inspiring poets and artists over centuries.
In a broader sense, xanadu is often used metaphorically to describe any utopian or idyllic setting that appears blissful, splendid, or divine. It represents an elusive paradise where life is perfect, filled with peace, harmony, and contentment. Xanadu is commonly invoked to evoke a sense of a dreamlike or magical place, far removed from the reality of the everyday world.
The term gained further popularity in the English language after Samuel Taylor Coleridge's famous poem, "Kubla Khan," published in 1816. Coleridge depicted Xanadu as an enchanting garden with "caves of ice" and "sunny spots of greenery," presenting an ethereal vision of an otherworldly realm.
Today, xanadu has become a metaphorical expression for an idealized or unattainable goal, often used to describe an ambitious project or aspiration that is seemingly unachievable or out of reach. It encapsulates the elusive pursuit of perfection and the yearning for an idyllic existence.
Common Misspellings for XANADU
Etymology of XANADU
The word xanadu originates from the name of the legendary city depicted in the poem Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Coleridge's poem was inspired by tales of the magnificent summer capital of Kublai Khan's empire in China, known as Xanadu or Shangdu. The name Xanadu is thought to have derived from the Mongolian word Shangtu, meaning upper capital or supreme capital.
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