sapphic
/ˈsæf.ɪk/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.03 in modern English
16
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
3
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
adj
Of a certain kind of verse reputed to have been invented by Sappho, consisting of five metrical feet, of which the first, fourth, and fifth are trochees, the second is a spondee, and the third a dactyl.
adj
Alternative letter-case form of sapphic.
noun
A Sapphic verse.
noun
A person who is sapphic.
adj
Lesbian, relating to lesbianism, or (broadly) to women who are attracted (not necessarily exclusively) to women.
noun
Alternative letter-case form of Sapphic.
Example Sentences
- "His Sapphics, on the story of Bacchus and Ariadne, are easy, elegant, and poetical."
- "The first line (which goes by the name of Aristophanes) is a Sapphic without the initial trochees."
- ""A real Sapphic," said Crane, dropping into a poetical tone, as an elocutionist does when he is hungry for an opportunity to recite a favorite sketch."
- "'Very good,” he said, 'although I must confess that the older I get, the less I am able to enjoy the company of women – except of course our own dear Enid who is so notorious a Sapphic as to be virtually hors concours."
- "There are many of us (yes, even in Utah) who are more style-conscious, socially involved and culturally aware Sapphics than the common opinion dictates."
- "Are you a fan of hate-to-love? Roommates? Royalty romances? Geology puns? Sapphics? Her Royal Highness has all of this and more. After Millie discovers her best friend turned maybe girlfriend kissing someone else, she decides to flee […]"
Etymology
Sappho (Ancient Greek Σαπφώ (Sapphṓ)) + -ic, whence Latin Sapphicus. Sense related to sexuality alludes to Sappho's poetry discussing love between women (see also lesbian).
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈsæf.ɪk/
- British English: /ˈsæf.ɪk/