Olympian
UK[əˈlɪm.pi.ən]US[əˈlɪm.pi.ən]
adj
relating to Mount Olympus in Greece, or to the Greek gods
adj
like a god, especially in being grand, powerful, and not showing ordinary human feelings
n
a person who is competing in, or has competed in, the Olympic Games
Morpheme Breakdown
olymp
ian
olymp
Mount Olympus
ian
relating to
Etymology
The word 'Olympian' derives directly from the name of Mount Olympus in Greece, which in ancient mythology was considered the dwelling place of the principal gods. The suffix '-ian', of Latin origin, is a common adjectival ending used to denote connection or relation. Thus, the literal construction means 'of or pertaining to Olympus'. Over time, the attributes associated with the gods—majesty, supreme power, and detachment from mortal concerns—were transferred to the adjective's secondary meaning, describing anything of grand, awe-inspiring, or aloof character. Its application to athletes of the Olympic Games is a modern extension, linking them to the ancient festival held at Olympia in honor of Zeus.
Analysis
Structure: olymp (Mount Olympus) + ian (relating to)
olymp (from Latin Olympus, from Greek Olympos, the name of the mountain home of the gods); ian (a suffix of Latin origin forming adjectives meaning 'belonging to' or 'relating to').
Examples
The temple was decorated with statues of Olympian deities.
She maintained an Olympian calm throughout the crisis.
The former Olympian now coaches young swimmers.