pyrrhic

• Qualifie une victoire obtenue au prix de pertes si énormes qu'elle équivaut à une défaite, ou par extension un succès trop coûteux pour être réellement bénéfique.

Describes a victory that is won at such great cost that it is equivalent to a defeat.

1. Relating to an ancient Greek war danceC2formalart

   Of or relating to a war dance of ancient Greece, typically performed in full armor.

   pyrrhique (danse)

   • The soldiers performed a pyrrhic dance before the battle.
   • Ancient texts describe the pyrrhic as a vigorous martial dance.
   • The pyrrhic dance was meant to intimidate enemies and boost morale.

2. Metrical foot of two unstressed syllablesC2formalart

   Of or relating to a metrical foot consisting of two short or unstressed syllables.

   Pyrrhique (métrique)

   • The pyrrhic foot is rare in English poetry.
   • Classical poets occasionally used a pyrrhic meter for effect.
   • A pyrrhic foot consists of two unstressed syllables in a row.

   Synonymesdibrach

3. Relating to Pyrrhus or his costly victoriesC2formal

   Of or relating to Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, or his exploits, especially his sustaining staggering losses in order to defeat the Romans.

   pyrrhique

   • The general's pyrrhic victory left his army too weakened to continue.
   • Historians often cite the Battle of Asculum as a pyrrhic success.
   • A pyrrhic triumph is one where the cost outweighs the gain.

• Nom désignant une unité métrique composée de deux syllabes brèves ou inaccentuées, ou une danse guerrière de la Grèce antique imitant des mouvements de combat.

A noun referring to a metrical foot consisting of two short or unstressed syllables, or an ancient Greek war dance mimicking combat movements.

1. Metrical footC2formal

   A metrical unit consisting of two short or unstressed syllables, used in poetry.

   Pied pyrrhique

   • The poet used a pyrrhic to create a light, rapid rhythm.
   • In classical verse, a pyrrhic is often followed by a spondee.
   • The line begins with a pyrrhic, giving it a quick pace.

   Synonymesdibrach

2. Ancient war danceC2formal

   An ancient Greek dance that mimicked the movements of combat, often performed by armed dancers.

   Danse pyrrhique

   • The soldiers performed a pyrrhic to celebrate their victory.
   • The pyrrhic was a popular spectacle at ancient festivals.
   • Historians describe the pyrrhic as a vigorous, martial dance.