What does "ionic" mean?
A four-syllable metrical unit of light-light-heavy-heavy (‿ ‿ — —) that occurs in Ancient Greek and Latin poetry.
Ionic
/aɪˈɒnɪk/ adj, name, noun
adj, name, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A four-syllable metrical unit of light-light-heavy-heavy (‿ ‿ — —) that occurs in Ancient Greek and Latin poetry.
- Grammar: ionic is listed as adj, name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: accent, anapest, architectural, attic.
- Useful contrasts: Corinthian, Doric, covalent compound.
- Usage evidence: Mercuric nitrate is an ionic compound.
How to use "ionic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "ionic" 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 "ionic" 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 "ionic" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "ionic" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- 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 "ionic" is acting as adj, 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
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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.
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Final meaning check
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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 A four-syllable metrical unit of light-light-heavy-heavy (‿ ‿ — —) that occurs in Ancient Greek and Latin poetry.
- 2 the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken and written in Attica and Athens and Ionia wordnet
Adjective
- 1 of, relating to, or containing ions not-comparable
- 2 Synonym of Ionian; of or relating to Ionia or the Ionians not-comparable
- 3 of an order of classical Greek architecture whose distinguishing feature is a capital with spiral volutes. not-comparable
- 4 Of or relating to a kind of heavy-faced type. dated, not-comparable
Adjective
- 1 containing or involving or occurring in the form of ions wordnet
- 2 of or relating to Ionia or its inhabitants or its language wordnet
- 3 of or pertaining to the Ionic order of classical Greek architecture wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A sub-dialect of the Attic-Ionic dialectal group of Ancient Greek consisting of Old Ionic and New Ionic.
Antonyms
Example
"Mercuric nitrate is an ionic compound."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "ionic"?
Common synonyms include: accent, anapest, architectural, attic, beat, cadence.
How do you use "ionic" in a sentence?
Mercuric nitrate is an ionic compound.
How do you pronounce "ionic"?
Pronounced /aɪˈɒnɪk/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From ion + -ic.
Etymology 2
From Ancient Greek ἰωνικός (iōnikós, “related to Ionians”).