attic

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Informal · Humorous · Slang

n. a funny way to talk about someone's head or their mind.

n. a metaphorical reference to the human head or intellect, viewed as the 'top floor' of the body.

“He has plenty of bright ideas up in the attic.”

“The old professor might seem eccentric, but there is still a very sharp mind working away up in that attic of his.”

C1 · Advanced Academic · Formal · Technical

adj. relating to ancient Athens in Greece, or its simple and elegant style.

adj. pertaining to Attica, its inhabitants, or the dialect of ancient Athens; often implies a refined or classical style.

“The museum has a beautiful collection of Attic pottery from the fifth century.”

“The orator was praised for his Attic wit, which favored subtle elegance and clarity over the more flamboyant styles of his contemporaries.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Academic · Technical

n. the specific form of the Greek language spoken in ancient Athens.

n. the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken in Attica, which became the standard language for classical Greek literature.

“Students of classical history often begin by learning to read Attic.”

“The transition from various regional dialects to a standardized Attic form marked a significant turning point in the history of Greek prose.”