Delphic
Americanadjective
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of or relating to Delphi.
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of or relating to Apollo, or to his temples or oracles.
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(often lowercase) oracular; obscure; ambiguous.
She was known for her Delphic pronouncements.
adjective
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of or relating to Delphi or its oracle or temple
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obscure or ambiguous
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of Delphic
1590–1600; < Latin Delphicus < Greek Delphikós, equivalent to Delph ( oí ) Delphi + -ikos -ic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
What’s more, the histrionic grandeur she imbues the scene with overshadows the dramatic revelation that follows: the reading of the Delphic oracle’s judgment that she is indeed innocent, and Leontes is “a jealous tyrant.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026
Called “The Four Sibyls,” the frescoes depict the female seers of ancient Greek and Roman mythology, including the Roman, Cumaean, Erythraean and Delphic sibyls.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 25, 2025
The movie, written and directed by Rian Johnson, is the anticipated follow-up to the 2019 hit starring Daniel Craig as the Delphic detective Benoit Blanc.
From New York Times ● Oct. 18, 2022
Pythagoras himself was said to have been inspired to study philosophy by the Delphic priestess Themistoclea.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 15, 2022
‘Yes, but I’m the god of many things! Poetry, music, the Delphic Oracle -’ He broke into a sob and covered his mouth with his fist.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
