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Pyrrhic for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'pɪrɪk

What does Pyrrhic really mean?

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Hey there! I'm here to help you understand the meaning of the word "Pyrrhic." Now, let's dive right in and explore what this word is all about, using super simple language!

So, when we talk about the word "Pyrrhic," we're actually talking about a type of victory that comes at a great cost. It's like when you win something, but the cost or consequence of winning is so high that it almost feels like you didn't really win at all. It's almost like a bittersweet victory, where the price you pay is almost as much as the joy you feel from winning.

Now, let's break it down a bit more. The word "Pyrrhic" comes from a very long time ago, from a man named Pyrrhus who was a king in ancient Greece. He won a battle against the Romans, but the victory came at such a high cost that he realized it wasn't really a "win" in the true sense. So, this kind of victory, where you lose so much in the process, is called a "Pyrrhic victory."

You can think of it like this: Imagine you're playing a game with your friends, and you finally win, but you end up losing all your points and having to give away something you really love in order to declare your victory. Yes, you're victorious in the game, but the cost of that victory feels so big that it's not really a happy win anymore. It's more like a win that leaves you feeling sad or disappointed.

So, in a nutshell, "Pyrrhic" means a victory that comes at such a high cost that it feels almost like a loss. It's like winning a prize, but having to give up something really important to get it.

I hope this explanation helps you understand what "Pyrrhic" means!

Revised and Fact checked by Patricia Williams on 2023-10-28 17:23:10

Pyrrhic In a sentece

Learn how to use Pyrrhic inside a sentece

  • When James spent all his money on video games, he won the game but had no money left to buy food. This victory was pyrrhic.
  • After studying for days without any breaks, Sarah finally aced her exam but felt exhausted and sick. Her success felt pyrrhic.
  • Despite working overtime to complete her project, Emily missed out on spending time with her friends. Her hard work seemed pyrrhic.
  • Jake trained extensively for the race, but ended up injuring his leg during the event. His efforts resulted in a pyrrhic outcome.
  • In order to buy the new phone, Lisa sold all her possessions. Although she got the phone, her actions were pyrrhic as she had nothing else left.

Pyrrhic Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Pyrrhic Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Pyrrhic Pertains To

Words to which the original word is relevant