ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cupid

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈkjupɪd// UK //kjˈuːpɪd// cu·pid Literary

n. the Roman god of love, usually shown as a winged boy with a bow and arrow. People use his name to talk about romantic love or someone who tries to bring lovers together.

n. the Roman god of love, typically depicted as a winged infant or youth armed with a bow and arrow. In lowercase use, refers to a representation of this figure or a person who acts as a matchmaker.


SIMPLE

The Valentine's Day card was covered in tiny cupids.

CONTEXTUAL

She played the role of cupid for her two best friends, eventually seeing them get married.

COMPLEX

The ceiling of the ballroom was adorned with intricate frescoes of cupids and floral garlands, reflecting the romantic sensibilities of the late Baroque period.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin Cupīdō, personification of cupīdō (“desire, desire of love”), from cupidus (“eager, greedy, passionate”), from cupiō (“to desire”).

Usage

When referring to the specific deity, it is capitalised; when referring to a decorative figure or a matchmaker, it is typically lowercase.

Idioms1 entry

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