What does anacreontic mean?
Anacreontic is an adjective describing anything reminiscent of Anacreon, the sixth-century BC Greek lyric poet whose short, graceful poems celebrated wine, love, and the pleasures of the moment. In literary criticism it refers properly to his style of verse — light, amatory, and convivial — while in general usage it extends to any mood or gathering marked by festive drinking, song, and romantic good cheer. The word entered English in the seventeenth century and gained particular currency in the eighteenth, when clubs devoted to Anacreon's spirit flourished; London's Anacreontic Society, whose members commissioned 'To Anacreon in Heaven,' later supplied the melody for 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' Though rare today, the term remains useful for evoking a cultivated, celebratory hedonism rooted in the classical tradition.
Of, relating to, or characteristic of Anacreon or his poetry; festive, amatory, or convivial in the manner associated with him.
"She wrote anacreontic verses for the harvest feast, brimming with toasts and tender flattery."
Chiefly literary; used both technically (for verse in Anacreon's style) and figuratively (for wine-loving merriment).
A poem, song, or piece of writing composed in the style of Anacreon, typically celebrating love and wine.
"He read aloud one of his favorite anacreontics, a rollicking ode to claret and courtship."
Usually encountered in the plural, 'anacreontics', referring collectively to such compositions.
As a noun, 'anacreontics' refers collectively to poems or songs written in the style of Anacreon; the singular 'anacreontic' is less common.
"The anthology includes a generous selection of eighteenth-century anacreontics."
Named after a Greek poet who died around 485 BC — supposedly choking on a grape seed at age 85 after a lifetime of singing about wine and love.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of anacreontic
The word derives from the name of Anacreon (c. 582–c. 485 BC), the Ionian Greek lyric poet famed for his songs of wine and love. It was formed via Latinized Greek as an adjective, entering English in the early modern period, with the noun form 'anacreontics' denoting verse composed in his manner. Its enduring association with convivial song was cemented in the eighteenth century by the Anacreontic Society of London.
Related word forms
How anacreontic is actually used
A literary and somewhat rare term, most often encountered in discussions of classical poetry, eighteenth-century verse, or convivial societies such as London's Anacreontic Society. It carries a warm, hedonistic connotation rather than a pejorative one.
Easily confused with anacreontic
Platonic describes affectionate love free of physical desire, whereas anacreontic describes poetry or revelry celebrating sensual pleasure, wine, and romance.