What does "pythonic" mean?
Of or pertaining to, or resembling, a python (“large constricting snake of the family Pythonidae”); pythonlike.
Pythonic
/paɪˈθɒnɪk/ adj
adj ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Of or pertaining to, or resembling, a python (“large constricting snake of the family Pythonidae”); pythonlike.
- Grammar: pythonic is listed as adj.
- Nearest alternatives: large, python code.
- Usage evidence: The blue glitter of Mr Kelly's eyes in the uttermost depths of their orbits became fixed, then veiled by the classical pythonic glaze.
How to use "pythonic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "pythonic" 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 "pythonic" 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 "pythonic" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "pythonic" is acting as adj 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 "large" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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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
Adjective
- 1 Of or pertaining to, or resembling, a python (“large constricting snake of the family Pythonidae”); pythonlike.
"The blue glitter of Mr Kelly's eyes in the uttermost depths of their orbits became fixed, then veiled by the classical pythonic glaze."
- 2 Of or pertaining to an oracle or prophet, or to the telling of prophecies; oracular, prophetic.
"And if it be his [Andreas Schott's] Opinion there vvas no ſuch Thing as a Pythonick Spirit, I vviſh he vvould read the Anſvver Father [Jean-François] Baltus has vvrit to Mr. [Bernard Le Bovier de] Fontenelle’s Book of Oracles, […]"
- 3 Alternative letter-case form of Pythonic (“of or pertaining to, or resembling, the Python in Ancient Greek mythology, a serpent which lived at Delphi (regarded as the centre of the Earth) until it was killed by Apollo; (figurative) enormous; monstrous”). alt-of
- 4 Alternative letter-case form of Pythonic (“using the idioms of the Python programming language”). alt-of, not-comparable
- 5 Of or pertaining to, or resembling, the Python in Ancient Greek mythology, a serpent which lived at Delphi (regarded as the centre of the Earth) until it was killed by Apollo.
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Enormous; also, monstrous. figuratively
- 7 Using the idioms of the Python programming language.
"The Pythonic style isn't regimented or enforced by the compiler. It has emerged over time through experience using the language and working with others."
Synonyms
All synonyms largepython code
Example
"The blue glitter of Mr Kelly's eyes in the uttermost depths of their orbits became fixed, then veiled by the classical pythonic glaze."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "pythonic"?
Common synonyms include: large, python code.
How do you use "pythonic" in a sentence?
The blue glitter of Mr Kelly's eyes in the uttermost depths of their orbits became fixed, then veiled by the classical pythonic glaze.
How do you pronounce "pythonic"?
Pronounced /paɪˈθɒnɪk/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From python (“snake of the family Pythonidae”) + -ic (suffix meaning ‘of or pertaining to’ forming adjectives from nouns). Python is derived from Latin Pȳthōn, from Ancient Greek Πῡ́θων (Pū́thōn, “Python, mythical serpent which lived at Delphi”), from Πῡθώ (Pūthṓ, “Pytho, ancient name of Delphi; Python, the mythical serpent”) (probably ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *dʰewbʰ- (“deep; dark (?); unclear (?)”) or *puH- (“foul, rotten”)) + -ων (-ōn, suffix forming possessives).
Etymology 2
From Late Middle English phitonic, phithonice (“of a possessing spirit: oracular, prophetic”), from Medieval Latin phitōnicus, a variant of Late Latin pȳthōnicus (“of or pertaining to divination, prophetic; magical”), from Byzantine Greek πυθωνικός (puthōnikós), from Koine Greek πύθων (púthōn, “spirit possessing a person, especially one with the power of prophecy”) + Ancient Greek -ῐκός (-ĭkós, suffix meaning ‘of or pertaining to’ forming adjectives). Πύθων (Púthōn) is derived from Πῡθώ (Pūthṓ, “Pytho, ancient name of Delphi; Python, the monstrous snake said to have been slain by Apollo at Delphi”) (see further at etymology 1) + -ων (-ōn, suffix forming possessives). In ancient times, Pytho, later Delphi, was the location of a Temple of Apollo where the high priestess, or Pythia, was a well-known oracle or prophetess. cognates * Middle French phitonicque, phitonique
Etymology 3
See Pythonic (etymology 1).
Etymology 4
See Pythonic (etymology 2).
Etymology 5
From Python + -ic.