How Do You Spell GORDIAN?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɔːdi͡ən] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "gordian" is often mistaken as "gordion" due to its pronunciation. However, the correct spelling is "gordian" which is pronounced as /ˈɡɔːdiən/. This word originated from the Greek Myth of Gordius, who tied a knot that was impossible to untie. Alexander the Great solved this "Gordian knot" by cutting it with his sword. The word "gordian" is now used to describe complex and difficult situations that require innovative solutions.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Basic Check Advanced Check

GORDIAN Meaning and Definition

  1. Gordian is an adjective that refers to something complex, difficult, or intricate, often describing a problem or situation that is challenging to solve or untangle. The term "gordian" is derived from the ancient legend of the Gordian Knot, a knot that was famously impossible to untie.

    When used in this context, "gordian" describes a condition or issue that exhibits characteristics similar to the legendary knot. It implies that the problem is so intricate that attempting to unravel it conventionally would be ineffective, thus requiring a more innovative or unorthodox approach. It suggests the need for a bold and decisive action, one that does not adhere to traditional methods.

    Additionally, "gordian" can also be applied metaphorically to describe something that is exceptionally intricate, complex, or convoluted in nature. It can be used to characterize situations, theories, systems, or even objects that appear overwhelming due to their intricate or multifaceted nature. In these contexts, "gordian" implies a sense of difficulty, and often suggests that a thorough understanding or analysis of the subject is challenging to achieve.

    Overall, "gordian" serves as a descriptive term highlighting complexity, difficulty, and the necessity for inventive, assertive, and unconventional methods to solve or navigate intricate problems.

  2. Intricate; applied to anything very intricate and not easily unravelled.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for GORDIAN

Etymology of GORDIAN

The word Gordian has its etymology rooted in Greek mythology. It comes from the story of the Gordian Knot, an intricate knot tied by Gordius, the king of Phrygia. According to legend, an oracle proclaimed that the one who could untie the knot would become the ruler of all Asia. Many tried and failed, as the knot was exceedingly complex. However, when Alexander the Great arrived at Gordium, he simply cut the knot with his sword, thus fulfilling the prophecy. The term Gordian has since been used metaphorically to describe a problem that is extremely difficult or impossible to solve, hence cutting the Gordian Knot.

Idioms with the word GORDIAN

  • a Gordian knot The idiom "a Gordian knot" refers to a complex or intricate problem that is extremely difficult to solve or untangle. It is derived from the legend of the Gordian knot, which was an intricate knot in ancient Phrygia. According to the legend, Alexander the Great solved the problem by simply cutting the knot with his sword, rather than attempting to unravel it. Hence, the idiom suggests finding a simple or unconventional solution to a complicated issue.
  • cut the Gordian knot The idiom "cut the Gordian knot" means to solve a complex problem or complicated situation in a quick and decisive manner, usually by taking bold or unconventional action. It refers to an ancient legend where Alexander the Great is said to have sliced the intricately tangled knot with his sword, rather than attempting to untie it, demonstrating his ability to find a straightforward solution to a seemingly unsolvable puzzle. Thus, "cutting the Gordian knot" symbolizes a radical approach to problem-solving that bypasses conventional methods.
  • cut/untie the Gordian knot The idiom "cut/untie the Gordian knot" refers to a bold and decisive action taken to solve a complex or intractable problem in a simple or unconventional way. It originated from the legend of Alexander the Great, who encountered a knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia that was said to be impossible to untie. Instead of trying to untie it, Alexander drew his sword and cut the knot in half, bypassing the conventional solution. Thus, "cut/untie the Gordian knot" implies finding an innovative or direct approach to resolve a difficult situation.
  • Gordian knot The idiom "Gordian knot" refers to a complex problem or situation that seems impossible to solve or untangle. It is derived from the legend of the Gordian Knot, a knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia in ancient Greece. According to the myth, whoever could untie the knot would become the ruler of Asia. However, the knot was so intricate and tightly woven that no one could find a solution. Eventually, Alexander the Great, frustrated with the challenge, simply sliced the knot in half with his sword, thereby solving the problem in an unconventional way. Hence, a "Gordian knot" signifies an issue that demands a fresh, innovative approach or decisive action to solve.

Similar spelling words for GORDIAN

Infographic

Correct spelling for gordian
Add the infographic to your website: