cherubic

[ chuh-roo-bik ]

Part of Speech adjective

Origin + Etymology

Early-17th century; English; from the Old English cherubin, ultimately (via Latin and Greek) from Hebrew kĕrūḇ, plural kĕrūḇīm. A rabbinic folk etymology, which explains the Hebrew singular form as representing the Aramaic kĕ-raḇyā "like a child," which led to the representation of the cherub as a child.

Synonyms

childlike adorable innocent

angelic

Antonyms

sour ugly mean-spirited

demonic

Definition

1. having a plump, pretty innocence

2. of or having the nature of a cherub, or an angel represented as a rosy-cheeked child with wings; angelic

Examples

1. A) He had a cherubic round face and eyes that twinkled, so naturally people tended to swoon over him. B) Her cherubic children were playing peacefully in the yard, enjoying the sunshine.

2. A) The mural depicts several cherubic figures flying in the clouds and through sunbeams. B) He had a cherubic manner that most found endearing and only some found cloying.

Usage Over Time

#unusual

Usage Over Time

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[ uh-ten-yoo-eyt ]

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