Word
phoenix
Phoneticsphoenix
US/ˈfinɪks/
UK/fˈiːnɪks/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a magical bird from old stories that lives for hundreds of years. When it dies, it burns into ashes and then is born again as a young bird.
n. a mythical bird of great longevity that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again. It typically dies in a show of flames and combustion, only to rise from its own ashes.
Examples
“The legendary phoenix rose from the ashes of its own fire.”
“In many stories, the phoenix represents hope because it can start a new life after a disaster.”
“The city's rapid reconstruction after the Great Fire was likened to the rise of a phoenix, symbolising an indomitable spirit that refuses to be extinguished by catastrophe.”
Examples
simple
“The legendary phoenix rose from the ashes of its own fire.”
contextual
“In many stories, the phoenix represents hope because it can start a new life after a disaster.”
complex
“The city's rapid reconstruction after the Great Fire was likened to the rise of a phoenix, symbolising an indomitable spirit that refuses to be extinguished by catastrophe.”
Usage
When referring to the specific mythological creature, it is often capitalised as a proper noun.
Etymology
From Latin phoenīx, from Ancient Greek φοῖνῐξ (phoînĭx), Φοῖνῐξ (Phoînĭx).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Stories
Greek Mythology · See all Greek myth origin
Expressions the ancient Greek myths left in everyday English.
a Herculean task — A task requiring enormous strength, effort, or determination to complete.
a Pyrrhic victory — A win that costs so much it feels almost like a defeat.
a Sisyphean task — A task that is endless and futile, because it must be repeated forever without ever being finished.
Achilles' heel — A single hidden weakness in someone or something otherwise strong.
Ariadne's thread — A method or clue that guides you safely through a confusing, complicated problem.
atlas — a book of maps or a collection of charts; it can also refer to a specific bone in your neck or a figure from Greek mythology.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/phoenix