ENGLISH
REFERENCE

athena

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //əˈθinə// athena Vulgar

n. the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts. She is often shown wearing a helmet and carrying a shield.

n. the Olympian goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and handicraft in Greek mythology. Typically depicted with an owl, an olive tree, or wearing the aegis.


SIMPLE

The Parthenon was built to honor Athena.

CONTEXTUAL

In the Odyssey, Athena frequently appears in disguise to offer guidance and protection to Odysseus on his journey home.

COMPLEX

As a patron of both the arts and military strategy, Athena represents the intellectual side of war, contrasting with the raw, chaotic violence associated with Ares.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English Athena, from Latin Athēna, from Ancient Greek Ἀθηνᾶ (Athēnâ). Doublet of Athina.

Usage

Usually treated as a proper noun; takes a singular verb.

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