Words From Mythology

Question 1

nix

Answer 1

to prohibit, from personification of the night

Question 2

mnemonic

Answer 2

pattern of letters, ideas, or associations that assist in remembering things, from Mnemosyne (Greek Goddess of Memory)

Question 3

ingrate

Answer 3

an ungrateful person, from Gratiae (3 Goddesses of Grace.

Question 4

herculean

Answer 4

having or requiring great strength or effort, from Hercules (Strong)

Question 5

nemesis

Answer 5

a long standing rival, from Nemesis (Greek Goddess of Retribution for evil and undeserved fortune)

Question 6

lethargic

Answer 6

unnaturally drowsy, from Lethe (Greek Goddess of Forgetfulness)

Question 7

hector

Answer 7

intimidate others, to bully, from Hector (bravest of Trojans)

Question 8

labyrinthine

Answer 8

full of confusing passageways, intricate and complicated

Question 9

tantalize

Answer 9

excite with hope but prevent fulfillment, tease, from Tantalus (Man kept hungry and thirsty by Hades)

Question 10

aegis

Answer 10

shield or protection, from aegis (shield of Zeus)

Question 11

cornucopia

Answer 11

an abundance, “Horn of Plenty”, goat horn that Zeus drank from

Question 12

halcyon

Answer 12

denoting a time in the past that was happy and peaceful, from Halcyon (legendary bird that had the power to calm the winds and waves)

Question 13

zealous

Answer 13

showing great energy or enthusiasm, from Zelos/Zelus (God of Dedication, Emulation, Envy)

Question 14

Sisyphean

Answer 14

an endless and ruthless task, Sisyphus was cursed to roll a rock up a hill every day

Question 15

Promethean

Answer 15

someone who is rebelliously creative and innovative, Prometheus steals fire from the gods in form of technology, knowledge, and civilization

Question 16

chimerical

Answer 16

hoped but impossible to achieve

Question 17

ambrosial

Answer 17

very delicious, from ambrosia (food that gave the gods immortality)

Question 18

nocturnal

Answer 18

active at night, from Nox (Roman primordial goddess/personification of the night)

Question 19

jovial

Answer 19

cheerful, friendly, jolly, from Jove (“Shining/Heaven”)

Question 20

martial

Answer 20

relating to war or military, from Mars (Roman god of war)

Question 21

mercurial

Answer 21

subject to sudden/unpredictable change of mood, from Mercury (Roman god of quickness)

Question 22

venerate

Answer 22

to treat someone or something with great respect esp if they are old, from Venus (Roman goddess of love, Greek Aphrodite)

Question 23

plutocratic

Answer 23

great influence on one’s wealth, from Pluto (Roman god of wealth/Hades)

Question 24

bacchanal

Answer 24

wild drunken party, from Bacchus (Roman god of wine and theater, Dionysus)

Question 25

vestal

Answer 25

chaste, pure, virtuous, from Vesta (Roman virgin goddess, Greek Hestia