phoenix

Everyday

1. A phoenix is a magical bird from old stories that burns itself in fire and is born again from its own ashes. tree →
2. Phoenix (capital P) is the capital city of the US state of Arizona, in a hot desert. tree →
3. Phoenix is also a boy's name, used for a character in some old stories. tree →

In the lessons

In myths and stories, the phoenix is a symbol of starting again after something terrible, and in Harry Potter Fawkes is a phoenix. In everyday speech, «rise like a phoenix from the ashes» means to come back stronger after failing or losing everything. In geography: Phoenix is one of the hottest big cities in the USA.

Examples

• The phoenix rose from the ashes. tree →
• In the story, the phoenix's tears could heal wounds. tree →
• Phoenix is a very hot city in Arizona. tree →
• The team rose like a phoenix after losing every game last year. tree →
• A phoenix is not a real bird. tree →
• The phoenix had red and gold feathers. tree →
• Dumbledore had a phoenix called Fawkes. tree →
• Our school drama club is called the Phoenix Players. tree →
• "I can go no farther," said Phoenix. tree →

Note

Spelled with ph (sounds like f) and -oe-: FEE-niks. The phoenix is a myth, not a real animal. Plural: phoenixes.

In Jewish tradition

The word may be a translation of a Hebrew word meaning a long-lived bird, or perhaps sand or palm tree.

Interpretation. Some old commentators say the bird is the chol, which was said to live forever; Job hopes for a long and safe life.

Examples

• Then I said: 'I shall die with my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the phoenix; (Writings JOB.29.18, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelled with ph (sounds like f) and -oe-: FEE-niks. The phoenix is a myth, not a real animal. Plural: phoenixes.