Get more practice with the workbook
Build vocabulary faster with structured lessons and activities.
4.6
✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT
4.8
✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities, 354 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT
4.8
✔ Add 1,500 must-know verbs to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 70 categorized lessons, 175 practical activities, 266 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT
✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT
sphinx
Sphinx (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does sphinx mean?
A mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human or animal.
"The Great Sphinx of Giza is a famous ancient monument in Egypt."
Detailed Meaning of Sphinx
It is often associated with ancient Egyptian culture, as there are several famous sphinx statues in Egypt, such as the Great Sphinx of Giza. The Sphinx is often depicted as a powerful and enigmatic figure, guarding treasures and secrets. The Greek myth of Oedipus features the Sphinx as a central character, asking riddles of travelers and killing those who cannot answer correctly. In popular culture, the Sphinx has been portrayed in various forms of art, literature, and film. It remains a symbol of mystery, power, and intrigue to this day.
Example Sentences for Sphinx
1. Some believe in the existence of telepathy as a form of mental connection.
2. The twins seemed to have a telepathy that allowed them to understand each other effortlessly.
3. The concept of telepathy has intrigued scientists and mystics alike.
4. In science fiction, characters often possess telepathy as a superhuman ability.
5. Psychic researchers study claims of telepathy and paranormal phenomena.
6. The experiment aimed to test the potential for telepathy between humans.
Origin and Etymology of Sphinx
The noun 'sphinx' has its etymological origins in ancient Greek mythology. It is derived from the Greek word 'sphínx,' which is believed to have been influenced by the verb 'sphingo,' meaning 'to strangle' or 'to bind.' The Sphinx is a prominent figure in Greek and Egyptian mythology, typically depicted as a creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, although there are variations with other animal heads. In Greek mythology, the Sphinx was known for posing riddles to travelers and devouring those who failed to answer correctly, which may be related to the word's connection to strangulation or binding. The term 'sphinx' has since become synonymous with enigmatic and mysterious figures or entities. This etymology reflects the creature's mythological significance as a guardian of knowledge and its enduring reputation for posing challenging and puzzling questions.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the noun sphinx:
Try Again!
Correct!
Continue Quiz
More Usage Examples of Sphinx
1. Skeptics argue that telepathy lacks scientific evidence.
2. The idea of telepathy has captured the imagination of many.
3. Some claim to have experienced moments of telepathy with their pets.
4. The psychic claimed to have a gift for telepathy and clairvoyance.
5. Can telepathy be harnessed for communication beyond spoken language?
6. Researchers investigate the potential for telepathy in the animal kingdom.
7. The twins' telepathy allowed them to share thoughts silently.
8. The phenomenon of telepathy remains a topic of debate in psychology.
9. He attributed their strong connection to a form of telepathy.
10. The novel explored the consequences of a world with telepathy.
11. The study aimed to explore the limits of human telepathy.
12. Many cultures have myths and legends related to telepathy.
13. The psychic's predictions often relied on her claimed telepathy.
14. The couple felt a deep telepathy that transcended spoken words.
15. Tourists gathered around the Sphinx to take photos.
16. The Sphinx's enigmatic smile has intrigued historians for centuries.
17. The Sphinx is believed to have been built during the Old Kingdom of Egypt.
18. The massive limestone structure of the Sphinx is awe-inspiring.
19. The Sphinx is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Egypt.
20. The Sphinx has the body of a lion and the head of a human.
21. The Sphinx stands guard near the pyramids of Giza.
22. Archaeologists have discovered hidden chambers beneath the Sphinx.
23. The Sphinx's face has eroded over time due to weathering.
24. Legends and myths surround the riddles associated with the Sphinx.
25. The Sphinx was carved out of a single block of stone.
26. The Sphinx is considered a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian art.
27. The Sphinx has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations throughout history.
28. Visitors can climb the steps to get a closer look at the Sphinx.
29. The Sphinx has been a subject of fascination for many archaeologists.
30. The Sphinx is a prominent feature in countless photographs and paintings.
31. The Sphinx has been depicted in movies and literature as a symbol of mystery.
32. The Sphinx is an iconic landmark that attracts millions of visitors each year.
33. The Sphinx has withstood the test of time and remains an enduring symbol of ancient Egypt.
