What does "daphne" mean?
Any one of least 50 species of shrub in the genus Daphne of the family Thymelaeaceae, some of which are grown as ornamentals.
Daphne
name, noun
name, noun ·2 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Any one of least 50 species of shrub in the genus Daphne of the family Thymelaeaceae, some of which are grown as ornamentals.
- Grammar: daphne is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: daphne genus, daphne plant, daphne shrub, daphne species.
- Useful contrasts: family name, surname.
- Usage evidence: Daphne is going to open a school.
How to use "daphne"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "daphne" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "daphne" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "daphne" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "daphne" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "daphne" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "daphne genus" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "daphne", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Any one of least 50 species of shrub in the genus Daphne of the family Thymelaeaceae, some of which are grown as ornamentals.
- 2 (Greek mythology) a nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape the amorous Apollo wordnet
- 3 any of several ornamental shrubs with shiny mostly evergreen leaves and clusters of small bell-shaped flowers wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A dryad pursued by Apollo, who was turned into a laurel tree by the river god Peneus. Greek
"Run when you will, the story shall be chang'd; / Apollo flies, and Daphne holds the chase; / The dove pursues the griffin"
- 2 41 Daphne, a main belt asteroid.
- 3 A female given name from Ancient Greek.
"My wife. Daphne. Yes, that was, is, her name. For some reason people have always found it faintly comic. I think it matches very well her damp, dark, myopic beauty."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
family namesurname
Example
"Daphne is going to open a school."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "daphne"?
Common synonyms include: daphne genus, daphne plant, daphne shrub, daphne species, first name, forename.
How do you use "daphne" in a sentence?
Daphne is going to open a school.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Ancient Greek δάφνη (dáphnē, “laurel, bay”).
Etymology 2
From translingual Daphne, from Ancient Greek δάφνη (dáphnē, “laurel”).