cherubic
[ chuh-roo-bik ]
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Part of Speechadjective, adjectiveOrigin + EtymologyExamples
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".
Synonyms
adjective
Antonymschildlikeadorableinnocent
adjectiveangelic
adjective
Definitionsouruglymean-spirited
adjectivedemonic
adjectivehaving a plump, pretty innocence
adjectiveof or having the nature of a cherub, or an angel represented as a rosy-cheeked child with wings; angelic
adjectiveA) 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.
adjectiveA) 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