gargoyle
Meanings
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noun
A grotesque stone figure of a humanoid or animal form, usually with a large head and grotesque features, placed on the exterior of a building as a gargoyle to project rainwater from the roof.
- "The gargoyles on the cathedral are famous tourist attractions."
- "The architect added gargoyles to the castle to frighten away evil spirits."
Pronunciation
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Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75797000" -
/ˈɡɑɹ.ɡɔɪl/
Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49895879"
Synonyms
grotesque , hunky punk , crone , hag
Rhymes
Words rhyming with gargoylequarrel , pancake , carousel , misdemeanor
Variants
List of all variants of gargoyle that leads to same resultgargoyle , gargoyled , gargoyles
Etymology
origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.The word 'gargoyle' comes from the French word 'gargouille', meaning 'throat' or 'gullet'. The term refers to the water spouts or 'throats' of the gargoyles, which project water from the roofs of buildings.
Trivia
Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word-
Gargoyles are often mistakenly called 'grotesques', but the two terms have different meanings. 'Gargoyles' refer specifically to the water-projecting figures, while 'grotesques' are a broader category of decorative figurines.
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The most famous gargoyle in literature is probably Quasimodo from Victor Hugo's 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame'. Quasimodo is often depicted as a misunderstood and benevolent creature, despite his grotesque appearance.
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Gargoyles were not always considered evil or grotesque. In the Middle Ages, they were believed to be protectors of the building and its occupants, and were often given human or animal features that were considered beautiful or noble.
Related Concepts
informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to-
grotesque: A style of art or design that features exaggerated, distorted, or irregular forms, often used to represent the grotesque or the monstrous.
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gargoyle statue: A decorative stone figure in the shape of a gargoyle, typically placed on the exterior of a building to project rainwater from the roof.
Culture
Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.Gargoyles have been a popular decorative element in European architecture since the Middle Ages. They were believed to protect buildings from evil spirits and bring good luck. In literature, gargoyles have been portrayed as both grotesque monsters and benevolent protectors. The most famous gargoyles can be found on Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and on the cathedral in Strasbourg, France.
How to Memorize "gargoyle"
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visualize
- Imagine a stone figure with a large head, grotesque features, and a water spout coming out of its mouth. Visualize the figure perched on the edge of a roof, projecting rainwater away from the building.
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associate
- Associate the word 'gargoyle' with the image of a stone monster guarding a castle or a church. Remember the gargoyle's role as a water spout and its function to protect buildings from evil spirits.
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mnemonics
- Create a mnemonic by associating the word 'gargoyle' with the phrase 'Gargoyles guard gothic grottoes yearly' or 'Gargoyles go grab gallons yearly'. This will help you remember the word's meaning and pronunciation.
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Highlighting:
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