Gordian
/ˈɡɔːr.di.ən/noun
Extremely complex, difficult, or seemingly impossible to resolve.
Did you know?The Gordian Knot was linked to an ancient prophecy claiming that whoever loosened it would become ruler of Asia; Alexander reportedly cut through it instead.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Phrygia
Phrygian
Gordius
“The personal name of the legendary peasant king associated with the knot; its deeper etymology is uncertain.”
4th Century BCE
Greek
Γόρδιος (Górdios)
“Gordius, the legendary king of Phrygia.”
4th–1st Century BCE
Greek
Γόρδιον (Górdion)
“Gordium, the Phrygian city where the famous knot was displayed.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Gordius
“Gordius; the name was used in Roman accounts of the legend.”
16th Century
English
Gordian
“Relating to Gordius or the Gordian Knot.”
Modern English
English
Gordian
“So complex or difficult that ordinary methods seem inadequate, as in “a Gordian problem.””