Divine Derivatives & Legends Vocabulary

cheerful and friendly

“He was in a jovial mood after the victory.”

Origin: From Jove (Jupiter), under whose influence people are merry

warlike or appropriate for war

“The country was under martial law.”

Origin: From Mars, the Roman god of war

tending or able to change frequently or easily

“A protean actor capable of playing any role.”

Origin: From Proteus, a sea god who could change his shape

enforcing uniformity or conformity without regard to natural variation

“The school's procrustean curriculum failed many students.”

Origin: From Procrustes, who stretched or cut victims to fit his bed

hoped for but illusory or impossible to achieve

“His dreams of instant wealth were purely chimeric.”

Origin: From the Chimera, a fire-breathing female monster

very dark, gloomy, or forbidding

“They entered the stygian depths of the cave.”

Origin: From the River Styx leading to the Underworld

relating to the rational, ordered, and self-disciplined aspects of human nature

“His art reflects an apollonian desire for order.”

Origin: From Apollo, god of reason and order