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elysian

/ɪˈliʒɪn/
/ɪˈliʒɪn/
IPA guide

The adjective elysian describes a blissful state, like the one most people hope to enjoy on a Hawaiian vacation.

The word elysian comes from the idyllic Greek mythological place called Elysian Fields. While it might seem at first like a place a tourist might want to see, don’t try to book airline tickets! Although the term is now often equated with a paradise, the Greek Elysian Fields were a heavenly resting place to go in the afterlife. The concept was probably originally conceived to encourage valor in soldiers during battle. Nowadays, people tend to use elysian to describe any heavenly scene — even a golf resort or a spa.

Definitions of elysian
  1. adjective
    relating to the Elysian Fields
  2. adjective
    being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods
    “an elysian meal”
    synonyms: divine, inspired
    glorious
    having or deserving or conferring glory
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