doric
UK[ˈdɒrɪk]US[ˈdɔːrɪk]
adj
Relating to a classical style of ancient Greek architecture characterized by a plain, sturdy column and a simple capital.
adj
(often doric) Denoting the broad, rustic dialect of ancient Greek spoken in the Peloponnese and other Dorian areas.
n
The Doric order of architecture.
n
The Doric dialect.
Morpheme Breakdown
dor
ic
dor
Dorian
ic
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
The word "Doric" originates from the name of the Dorian people, one of the four major ethnic groups of ancient Greece. The term was applied by the Greeks themselves to their own architectural style and dialect, distinguishing it from the more ornate Ionic and the elegant Corinthian orders. The suffix "-ic" transforms the proper noun into an adjective, meaning "pertaining to the Dorians." Over time, the architectural sense became dominant in English, specifically denoting the oldest, simplest, and most robust of the classical Greek architectural orders, reflecting the perceived character of its namesake people.
Analysis
Structure: dor (Dorian) + ic (adjective-forming suffix)
- dor: From Latin Dōrus, from Greek Dōros, the name of the mythical ancestor of the Dorians, a major division of the ancient Hellenic peoples.
- ic: A suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -icus, from Greek -ikos, meaning "of, pertaining to, or in the manner of."
Examples
The temple's sturdy columns are a prime example of the Doric order.
He studied the features of Doric grammar as part of his classical linguistics course.
The building's plain, unadorned facade was inspired by Doric simplicity.