The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

Stygian

IPA:

Dictionary definition of stygian

Dark, gloomy, or mysterious, often with connotations of the underworld or the afterlife.
"The Stygian darkness of the cave was unsettling."

Detailed meaning of stygian

The word originates from Greek mythology, in which the river Styx was said to separate the world of the living from the realm of the dead. Something described as "Stygian" may evoke feelings of dread, horror, or unease, as if it were connected to the supernatural or the macabre. Stygian can also be used to describe something that is impenetrably dark or obscure, such as a night sky devoid of stars or a deep, shadowy forest. This word is often used in literature, poetry, and other forms of creative writing to evoke a sense of foreboding or ominousness.

Example sentences containing stygian

1. The Stygian darkness of the forest filled me with an inexplicable dread.
2. He stared into the Stygian depths of the lake, wondering what lurked beneath.
3. The Stygian gloom of the old mansion gave it a menacing look.
4. In the Stygian quiet of the night, I could hear my own heartbeat.
5. We wandered into a Stygian alley, the street lights barely illuminating our path.
6. The Stygian abyss below the cliff was a terrifying sight.

History and etymology of stygian

The adjective 'Stygian' has its etymological roots in Greek mythology. It is derived from the river Styx, a prominent feature of the Greek underworld. In Greek mythology, the river Styx was believed to be a boundary between the mortal world and the underworld, and it played a crucial role in oaths and rituals of the gods. The word 'Stygian' came to describe something as dark, gloomy, or mysterious, often with connotations of the underworld or the afterlife. It is used to convey an atmosphere or quality that is eerie, foreboding, and shrouded in darkness, as if one had entered the realm of the dead. 'Stygian' is a term frequently employed in literature and poetry to create an evocative sense of the macabre or the supernatural, emphasizing the inky depths of the unknown and the mysterious.

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Further usage examples of stygian

1. The room was filled with Stygian shadows that danced on the walls.
2. Her Stygian eyes held a depth of sadness I couldn't comprehend.
3. The Stygian cellar was chilly and filled with an eerie silence.
4. On stormy nights, the sea adopted a Stygian hue, signaling the danger that lurked.
5. He was lost in the Stygian corridors of the ancient catacombs.
6. The Stygian corners of the room harbored secrets only the old house knew.
7. The Stygian landscape of the desert was both intimidating and fascinating.
8. In the Stygian sky, only a few stars dared to twinkle.
9. A Stygian cloud of despair hung over the once bustling city.
10. The Stygian cave concealed unimaginable mysteries from the world outside.
11. She was engulfed in a Stygian wave of sorrow.
12. The Stygian depths of his pain were etched on his face.
13. The Stygian silence of the forest was unnerving, making us alert to every sound.
14. The painting depicted a Stygian scene that was oddly captivating.