hellenic

Everyday

1. To do with Greece and the Greek people, language and culture, especially ancient Greece. tree →
2. (history) To do with classical Greek civilisation before Alexander the Great (later times are called Hellenistic). tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons on ancient Greece, «Hellenic» is linked to Hellas, the Greeks' own name for their land. The modern country's official name is the Hellenic Republic. Phrases: Hellenic culture, the Hellenic Republic, Hellenic Navy.

Examples

• Greece's official name is the Hellenic Republic. tree →
• The Olympics began as a Hellenic festival. tree →
• The museum has a hall of Hellenic statues. tree →
• Greeks call themselves Hellenes. tree →
• Hellenic myths tell of Zeus and the gods of Olympus. tree →

Note

Capital H. Pronounced heh-LEN-ik or heh-LEE-nik. «Hellenistic» refers to Greek culture spread after Alexander the Great. Nothing to do with «hell».