orphic
adjective
or·phic ˈȯr-fik 
1
capitalized : of or relating to Orpheus or the rites or doctrines ascribed to him
2
: mystic, oracular
3
: fascinating, entrancing
orphically
ˈȯr-fi-k(ə-)lē
adverb 
Did you know?
Orpheus was a hero of Greek mythology who was supposed to possess superhuman musical skills. With his legendary lyre, he was said to be able to make even the rocks and trees dance around. In fact, when his wife Eurydice died, he was nearly able to use his lyre to secure her return from the underworld. Later on, according to legend, he was killed at the bidding of Dionysus, and an oracle of Orpheus was established that came to rival the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. Because of the oracle of Orpheus, orphic can mean "oracular." Because of Orpheus' musical powers, orphic can also mean "entrancing."
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Readers mystified by any of the author’s orphic lingo will find full explanations in the book’s extensive glossary. 
Meghan Cox Gurdon, WSJ, 23 Aug. 2018 As if fearing that too lyrical an approach to such an orphic figure would result in incoherence, Gooch describes this poet’s life in a decidedly unpoetic way. The Washington Post, The Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2017
Meghan Cox Gurdon, WSJ, 23 Aug. 2018 As if fearing that too lyrical an approach to such an orphic figure would result in incoherence, Gooch describes this poet’s life in a decidedly unpoetic way. The Washington Post, The Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2017 Word History
First Known Use
1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1
orphic
adjective
as in mystical
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- mystical
- mystic
- darkling
- mysterious
- enigmatic
- enigmatical
- inscrutable
- uncanny
- complex
- incomprehensible
- unintelligible
- academic
- complicated
- cryptic
- unfathomable
- ambiguous
- impenetrable
- pedantic
- erudite
- hermetic
- esoteric
- academical
- scholarly
- unknowable
- recondite
- unanswerable
- arcane
- abstruse
- hermetical
- profound
- hard
- learned
- confounding
- bewildering
- mystifying
- puzzling
- perplexing
- baffling
- disorienting
- deep
- confusing
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- superficial
- simple
- shallow
- facile
- intelligible
- easy
- straightforward
- comprehensible
- distinct
- lucid
- apparent
- obvious
- understandable
- manifest
- evident
- plain
- transparent
- clear
- perspicuous
- fathomable
- clear-cut