What does argonautic mean?
Argonautic is a formal adjective meaning “of or relating to the Argonauts,” the legendary Greek heroes whose voyage in the ship Argo was said to have sought the Golden Fleece. It can modify a voyage, expedition, poem, or tradition, as in “Argonautic legend,” while also describing narratives and stories associated with the heroes. The word is chiefly literary and historical, lending its subject a tone of antiquity, adventure, and classical mythology. It is not a general synonym for “mythical” or “legendary”; the connection is specifically to the Argonautic quest. Although now most familiar through accounts of Jason and the Golden Fleece, the term also reaches beyond that story to the broader Greek and Roman literary tradition. For readers, argonautic is especially useful when discussing classical epic, ancient adventure, or the symbolism of ships, seafaring, and homecoming.
adjectiveRelating to the Argonauts, the legendary Greek heroes who sailed in the ship Argo in search of the Golden Fleece; also relating to their voyage or associated stories.
- Relating to the Argonauts, their voyage in the Argo, or the legends and literature associated with that quest.
"The poem recasts the Argonautic voyage as a meditation on homecoming and identity."
"Her research traces the influence of Argonautic mythology on later accounts of exploration."
"The speaker invoked the Argonautic voyage when describing the expedition as a modern quest for discovery."
Argonautic evokes the ancient Greek quest for the Golden Fleece, one of mythology’s most famous seafaring adventures.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does argonautic come from?
The adjective is based on “Argonaut,” a term transmitted through Latin from Greek Argonautēs, meaning a sailor of the Argo. Greek Argonautēs combines Argo, the name of the ship, with nautēs, meaning “sailor.” The related title Argonautica names the Greek epic about the Argonauts, and English “argonautic” was formed on the model of this classical vocabulary.
How argonautic is actually used
Chiefly literary, historical, or academic. It is specific to the Argonauts and should not be used as a general synonym for “mythical,” “legendary,” or “adventurous.”
Easily confused with argonautic
Argonautic is the adjective describing the Argonauts or their voyage, whereas an argonaut is one of the legendary heroes who made the voyage.