elysian

adjective

ely·​sian i-ˈli-zhən 

variants or less commonly Elysian

1

usually Elysian : of or relating to the mythological paradise of Elysium

The stillness, the repose, the peace, / They win the quiet soul away, / To visit that Elysian world, / Where breaketh an eternal day.

—The American common-place book of poetry

2

: evoking or resembling Elysium

So, here's what I dreamt: that, after a long journey, I came to a faraway place where real writers gathered in an Elysian kingdom, to talk about how to make words last, about lyric and intention and the condition of our souls.

—Michael Paterniti

broadly : blissful or delightful in a way that seems otherworldly

Reading … transports the subconscious to elysian and empyrean bliss.

—Bobson Gbinije

The secret to its longevity, then and now, is a steadfast commitment to … the elysian pleasantness of doing absolutely nothing except enjoying yourself.

—Spencer Bailey

… an elysian landscape of vineyards and wooded hills …

—Oliver Wainwright

Notice in your publication represents an Elysian new height for any struggling author.

—Tony Fennelly

see also elysian field

Did you know?

In classical mythology Elysium, also known as the Elysian Fields, was the paradise reserved for the heroes immortalized by the gods. Ancient Greek poets imagined it as the abode of the blessed after death. The first known use of the place-name as a word for a blissful state enjoyed by mere mortals is found in Shakespeare's Henry V. Following the Bard, many other writers over the centuries have used "Elysium," as well as "Elysian Fields," to refer to paradisiacal places or states. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was the first to summon "Elysian" as an adjective for the blissful quality emanating from such places.

Synonyms

• celestial
• empyreal
• empyrean
• ethereal
• heavenly
• supernal

Examples of elysian in a Sentence

the dream of retiring to a tropical isle and enjoying a life of elysian ease

Recent Examples on the Web

By Delilah Khomo published 11 October 2024 There are some places in the world with such a strong sense of continuity; of a past preserved that makes the present more special, where time makes no changes; as if the clocks have literally frozen in the hotels' Elysian days. —Delilah Khomo, theweek, 11 Oct. 2024

Soft Pretzels Suites, concourse Custom jumbo horseshoe pretzels with Elysian beer cheese and local bourbon mustard will be available in the suites, while classic twisted soft pretzels will be offered at more than 40 locations throughout the concourse. —Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Aug. 2024

There’s no shortage of elysian Santa Barbara hotels in both the seaside city and its idyllic surrounding areas of Montecito and the Santa Ynez wine country. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 23 June 2022

The secret to its longevity, then and now, is a steadfast commitment to the idea of dolce far niente, the elysian pleasantness of doing absolutely nothing except enjoying yourself. —Spencer Bailey, Town & Country, 28 Mar. 2021

Indie studio Humble Hearts is hard at work finishing Dust: An Elysian Tale, which stands among the most visually breathtaking 2-D games on any modern platform — despite being developed entirely by one man. —Ryan Rigney, WIRED, 15 June 2012

Ms. Belilove herself often exemplifies the genre’s tragic, heroic side: Orpheus entering the Elysian fields, Liberty leading the people. —Alastair MacAulay, New York Times, 20 June 2017

The Elysian bash last Thursday night in the Quartyard, 1102 Market St., drew more than 100 people, many dressed in 10 Barrel merchandise. —Peter Rowe, sandiegouniontribune.com, 25 May 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing elysian

• elysian field
• Elysian Fields

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