different between nymphet vs nymph

English

Alternative forms

• nymphette

Etymology

From nymph +? -et (“diminutive”), first attested 1612. The second sense was popularized by Vladimir Nabokov's 1955 novel Lolita.

Noun

nymphet (plural nymphets)

1. (obsolete) A small nymph. [17th-19th c.]
   • 1612 Michael Drayton, Poly-Olbion I. xi. Argt. 171:

     Of the nymphets sporting there In Wyrrall, and in Delamere.

2. A sexually attractive girl or young woman. [from 20th c.]

Usage notes

More common than the alternative spelling nymphette, which uses the more standard feminine suffix -ette.

Synonyms

• jailbait, lolita, nymph

Translations

References

• The changing English language, Brian Foster, 1968, pp. 185–186 – on spelling nymphet versus nymphette

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