different between nymph vs goddess

English

Alternative forms

• nymphe (rare or archaic)

Etymology

From Middle English nimphe, from French nimphe, from Latin nympha (“nymph, bride”), from Ancient Greek ????? (númph?, “bride”). Doublet of nympha.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /?n?mf/

Noun

nymph (plural nymphs or nymphæ)

1. (Greek, Roman) Any female nature spirit associated with water, forests, grotto, wind, etc.
2. A young girl, especially one who is attractive, beautiful or graceful.

   Synonyms: lolita, nymphet, nymphette

3. (entomology) The larva of certain insects.

   Synonyms: instar, naiad

4. (entomology) Any of various butterflies of the family Nymphalidae.

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

See also

• alseid, auloniad, crinaeae, limnade, meliae, napaeae, oceanids, oreads, pegaeae
• dryads, hamadryads, naiads, nereids
• Hesperides

English

Etymology

From Middle English goddesse, equivalent to god +? -ess, formed about 1350. The figurative meaning is first found in Spenser's Shepheardes calender (1579).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) enPR: g?d'?s, enPR: gäd'?s, IPA^(key): /???d?s/, /-?s/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /???d?s/
• Hyphenation: god?dess

Noun

goddess (plural goddesses)

1. (religion) A female deity.
2. (figuratively) A woman honored or adored as physically attractive or of superior charm and intelligence.
3. (figuratively) A woman of substantial authority or influence.

Hypernyms

• (female deity): deity, divinity, god
• (certain woman): woman

Derived terms

Translations

See also

• heaven