# Dorian

/ˈdɔɹiən/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dorian
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. ancient Greek culture

adjective · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

relating to the Dorians, one of the main groups of people in ancient Greece.

For teachers: relating to the Dorians, one of the four major ethnolinguistic groups of classical Greece.

- The museum displayed several Dorian artifacts from the early Iron Age.
- Scholars continue to debate the historical validity of the Dorian invasion and its impact on the collapse of Mycenaean civilization.

Usage: Capitalized when referring to the historical ethnic group.

### 2. musical scale

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a specific type of musical scale or 'mode' that sounds slightly sad but modern.

For teachers: referring to the Dorian mode, a minor-type scale corresponding to the white keys from D to D on a piano.

- Many jazz musicians like to improvise using the Dorian scale.
- The haunting quality of the folk melody is derived from its use of the Dorian mode rather than a standard natural minor scale.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'Dorian mode'.

### 3. a person

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

a member of the ancient Dorian people.

For teachers: an individual belonging to the Dorian ethnic group of ancient Greece.

- The Dorians were known for their distinct dialect and military focus.
- Ancient historians often contrasted the austere lifestyle of the Dorians with the perceived luxury of their Ionian neighbors.

### 4. mythology/astronomy

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

relating to Doris, a sea goddess in Greek myths, or an asteroid named after her.

For teachers: relating to the Oceanid Doris in Greek mythology or the asteroid 48 Doris.

- The scientist published a paper on the orbital path of the Dorian asteroid.
- In classical literature, Dorian nymphs were often depicted as attendants to the greater deities of the sea.

## Examples

- The ancient temple was built in the Dorian style.
- Music students often study the Dorian mode because it creates a unique sound that is neither fully major nor minor.
- The historian argued that the Dorian invasion was a pivotal moment that reshaped the cultural and linguistic landscape of the Peloponnese during the Greek Dark Ages.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.