hieratic

adjective

hi·​er·​at·​ic ˌhī-(ə-)ˈra-tik 

1

: constituting or belonging to a cursive form of ancient Egyptian writing simpler than the hieroglyphic

2

: sacerdotal

3

: highly stylized or formal

hieratic poses

hieratically

ˌhī-(ə-)ˈra-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of hieratic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sienese painting represents a rupture in world art, breaking from Gothic flatness and hieratic Byzantine art. — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024

The men performing the task of mixing moved with slow hieratic movements of great deliberation. — Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 21 June 2024

The team also recovered amulets, pottery tools and ostraca—pieces of pottery—that feature hieratic inscriptions, or cursive hieroglyphics. — Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Jan. 2024

Using more of the petticoat’s crin to create a hieratic hat, Magugu likens the piece to a Nefertiti headdress. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2022

Ray films musical and dramatic scenes alike with dissonant clashes of elements in unbalanced compositions, sculptural gestures, and hieratic poses. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2021

Yet in the course of their recurring encounters, William—in effect, a hidden prophet—delivers a hieratic word to Anthony about the Candyman tale, one that links up again with the 1992 film. — Richard Brod, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Latin hieraticus sacerdotal, from Greek hieratikos, from hierasthai to perform priestly functions, from hieros sacred; probably akin to Sanskrit iṣara vigorous

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hieratic

• aprotic
• aquatic
• biotic
• chaotic
• cirrhotic
• demotic
• despotic
• dichotic
• erotic
• euphotic
• exotic
• fibrotic