Apollonian

1 of 2

adjective (1)

Ap·ol·lo·ni·an ˌa-pə-ˈlō-nē-ən

Synonyms of Apollonian

: of, relating to, or resembling the god Apollo

: harmonious, measured, ordered, or balanced in character compare dionysian

Apollonian

2 of 2

adjective (2)

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Greek poet Apollonius or his writings

Did you know?

To the ancient Greeks, Apollo represented the perfection of youthful manhood. He was the god of music, poetry, archery, prophecy, and healing, among other things. English speakers began using the adjective Apollonian for someone who resembled Apollo in physical beauty or talent as long ago as 1663. Due partly to the work of Nietzsche and other German scholars, we now associate Apollo with the forces of calm rationality (as opposed to the Dionysian forces, which are instinctive, frenzied, and uninhibited). Despite these associations, Apollo himself was not always a force of reason-he had a terrible temper and a lust for young girls as well.

Examples of Apollonian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Adjective

Friedrich Nietzsche's idea of rationality, Apollonian, and the irrational passion, defined as Dionysian, have always been a sort of philosophical guide for Murano; his way of conceiving fashion. —Alberto Calabrese, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025