What does "pyrrhic" mean?
An Ancient Greek war dance.
Pyrrhic
/ˈpɪɹɪk/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An Ancient Greek war dance.
- Grammar: pyrrhic is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: accent, accentuation, alexandrine, amphibrach.
- Useful contrasts: advantageous, beneficial, iamb.
- Usage evidence: Huwawa is slain; the victors triumph, but the victory is to be a pyrrhic one for Gilgamesh, for the gods have met in counsel and decreed that Enkidu should die.
How to use "pyrrhic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "pyrrhic" 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 "pyrrhic" 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 "pyrrhic" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "pyrrhic" 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 "pyrrhic" is acting as adj, 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 "accent" 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.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "pyrrhic", 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 An Ancient Greek war dance.
- 2 an ancient Greek dance imitating the motions of warfare wordnet
- 3 A metric foot with two short or unaccented syllables.
- 4 a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed syllables wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Of or characterized by pyrrhics (metrical feet with two short syllables). not-comparable
- 2 Of or relating to Pyrrhus (319/318–272 BC), Greek general and statesman. not-comparable
"The Pyrrhic army lost the Pyrrhic war."
- 3 Relating to Pyrrhus, a Macedonian king, or some of his costly victories he had while fighting Rome. not-comparable
- 4 Achieved at too great a cost or detriment to have been worthwhile (as a victory, accomplishment, etc).
"Although this syndrome is thought to resemble patterns of Pyrrhic revenge […]"
- 5 Alternative letter-case form of Pyrrhic (“achieved at too great a cost”). alt-of, not-comparable
"Huwawa is slain; the victors triumph, but the victory is to be a pyrrhic one for Gilgamesh, for the gods have met in counsel and decreed that Enkidu should die."
Adjective
- 1 of or relating to or resembling Pyrrhus or his exploits (especially his sustaining staggering losses in order to defeat the Romans) wordnet
- 2 of or relating to or containing a metrical foot of two unstressed syllables wordnet
- 3 of or relating to a war dance of ancient Greece wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"Huwawa is slain; the victors triumph, but the victory is to be a pyrrhic one for Gilgamesh, for the gods have met in counsel and decreed that Enkidu should die."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "pyrrhic"?
Common synonyms include: accent, accentuation, alexandrine, amphibrach, amphimacer, anacrusis.
How do you use "pyrrhic" in a sentence?
Huwawa is slain; the victors triumph, but the victory is to be a pyrrhic one for Gilgamesh, for the gods have met in counsel and decreed that Enkidu should die.
How do you pronounce "pyrrhic"?
Pronounced /ˈpɪɹɪk/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Latin pyrrhichius, from Ancient Greek πυρρίχιος (purrhíkhios), from πυρρίχη (purrhíkhē, “war dance”).
Etymology 2
From Pyrrhus (318-272 BC), a king of Epirus whose forces sustained heavy losses in defeating the Romans + -ic.