Orphic

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Of or relating to Orpheus, the legendary musician whose music charmed all who heard it ; having an entrancing, mysterious, or magical quality that seems to cast a spell
2. Pertaining to Orpheus or his mythical powers ; possessing a bewitching or supernatural character that fascinates and enchants
3. Associated with Orpheus and his legendary musical abilities ; marked by an elusive, mystical, or captivating quality that appears almost otherworldly

Etymology: Orpheus, the legendary Greek poet and musician who could charm stones and beasts with his lyre, gave English this adjective through a simple process: the name was combined with the adjectival suffix "-ic." The result describes anything relating to Orpheus or to the mystical religious movement and poetry traditionally attributed to him, known as Orphism. The suffix itself has a long pedigree. It passed from Proto-Indo-European through Proto-Italic into Latin as "-icus," then reached English by way of Old French and Middle English, where it appeared in forms like "-ik" before settling into the modern "-ic." Attaching it to a proper name is an ordinary way English makes adjectives, so "Orphic" follows the same pattern as words such as "Homeric" or "Platonic."

Synonyms: mystical, mysterious, esoteric

Antonyms: clear, explicit, transparent