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elfin

Mythology
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Relating to or resembling elves; often associated with magic and enchantment.

Detailed Definition
'Elfin' refers to characteristics or qualities associated with elves, mythical beings known for their magical and whimsical nature. In the poem, the mention of 'elfin harps' suggests a connection to a magical realm where music and enchantment intertwine, enhancing the ethereal quality of the 'Magic Land'.
Example
Example in poetry:
“The elfin horns blow faintly” in Keats’s “The Eve of St. Agnes” creates an otherworldly atmosphere; Elfin usually suggests small, graceful, mischievous, or fairy-like qualities; “An elfin grin crossed the child’s face” gives a contemporary lyric playful strangeness; Use the word sparingly, since its delicate sound can heighten dreamlike diction
Additional Notes
The term 'elfin' describes the harps that contribute to the magical atmosphere of the poem.; Found in the poem, The Magic Land by Edward Robert Bulwer-Lytton
Also Known As
elf-like fairy folk mischievous sprite woodland imp faery faëry
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