elysian
adjective
The American common-place book of poetryMichael PaternitiBobson Gbinije Spencer Bailey Oliver Wainwright Tony Fennelly see also elysian field
Did you know?
In classical mythology Elysium, also known as the Elysian Fields, was the paradise reserved for the heroes immortalized by the gods. Ancient Greek poets imagined it as the abode of the blessed after death. The first known use of the place-name as a word for a blissful state enjoyed by mere mortals is found in Shakespeare's Henry V. Following the Bard, many other writers over the centuries have used "Elysium," as well as "Elysian Fields," to refer to paradisiacal places or states. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was the first to summon "Elysian" as an adjective for the blissful quality emanating from such places.
Examples of elysian in a Sentence
Essence, 28 June 2025
Occasionally the gods stop by, blast some ABBA, go on elysian benders that leave no residue of human suffering, and complain about their terrible kids, who are going to live forever.
—Hannah Gold, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
Occasionally the gods stop by, blast some ABBA, go on elysian benders that leave no residue of human suffering, and complain about their terrible kids, who are going to live forever.
—Hannah Gold, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
By Delilah Khomo published 11 October 2024 There are some places in the world with such a strong sense of continuity; of a past preserved that makes the present more special, where time makes no changes; as if the clocks have literally frozen in the hotels' Elysian days.
—Delilah Khomo, theweek, 11 Oct. 2024
Soft Pretzels Suites, concourse Custom jumbo horseshoe pretzels with Elysian beer cheese and local bourbon mustard will be available in the suites, while classic twisted soft pretzels will be offered at more than 40 locations throughout the concourse.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Aug. 2024
There’s no shortage of elysian Santa Barbara hotels in both the seaside city and its idyllic surrounding areas of Montecito and the Santa Ynez wine country.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 23 June 2022
The secret to its longevity, then and now, is a steadfast commitment to the idea of dolce far niente, the elysian pleasantness of doing absolutely nothing except enjoying yourself.
—Spencer Bailey, Town & Country, 28 Mar. 2021
Ms. Belilove herself often exemplifies the genre’s tragic, heroic side: Orpheus entering the Elysian fields, Liberty leading the people.
—Alastair MacAulay, New York Times, 20 June 2017
Cite this Entry
“Elysian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elysian. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
Copy Citation
Share