Delphic
/ˈdɛl.fɪk/noun
Relating to Delphi or to oracles, especially in a cryptic or ambiguous way.
Did you know?Delphic is tied to Delphi, the sanctuary of Apollo where the famous oracle spoke in deliberately ambiguous prophecies, making the word a perfect symbol of language that reveals and conceals at once.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Greek / Ancient Greek
Greek
Delphoi / Delphoi
“Delphi, the sacred sanctuary and oracle site in central Greece”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Delphikós
“Of Delphi; belonging to the oracle at Delphi”
Late Latin
Latin
Delphicus
“Pertaining to Delphi”
Middle French
French
delphique
“Delphic; relating to Delphi or its oracle”
16th Century
English
delphic
“Relating to Delphi or the oracle; oracular, obscure”