delectation
delectation
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "delectation" is /dɪˌlɛkˈteɪʃən/.
Here's a breakdown of the syllables:
de-: /dɪ/
/d/ - voiced alveolar stop
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel
lec-: /lɛk/
/l/ - alveolar lateral approximant
/ɛ/ - open-mid front unrounded vowel
/k/ - voiceless velar stop
ta-: /teɪ/
/teɪ/ - a diphthong consisting of a voiceless alveolar stop /t/ followed by the diphthong /eɪ/.
/t/ - voiceless alveolar stop
/eɪ/ - a diphthong.
tion: /ʃən/
/ʃ/ - voiceless postalveolar fricative
/ə/ - mid-central vowel (schwa)
/n/ - alveolar nasal
Word Form Variations
Singular:
delectation
Plural:
delectations
Here's some additional context:
"Delectation" is typically used as a noncount noun, meaning it often refers to a general feeling of pleasure or enjoyment. However, it can also be used as a count noun when referring to specific instances or sources of pleasure, hence the plural form "delectations."
It's important to note that "delectation" is a rather formal word, so its usage might be less common in everyday conversation.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Word Class: Noun
Definition 1:
A heightened sense of pleasure or enjoyment, often of a refined or exquisite nature.
Synonyms: delight, pleasure, enjoyment, gratification, bliss, rapture, joy.
Antonyms: displeasure, dissatisfaction, distaste, aversion, misery.
Definition 2:
That which provides great pleasure or enjoyment; a source of delight.
Synonyms: treat, indulgence, pleasure, diversion, entertainment.
Antonyms: burden, displeasure, pain.
Definition 3:
The act of experiencing a strong sense of pleasurable satisfaction.
Synonyms: experiencing joy, taking pleasure in, relishing, savoring.
Antonyms: suffering, enduring pain, detesting.
Key Considerations:
"Delectation" leans towards a formal tone.
It often implies a sense of savoring or relishing something.
It is most commonly used as a noun.
While I can create definitions for other word classes, the word is not commonly used as a verb, adjective, or adverb.
Examples of Use
Contextual Usage:
Literary and Formal Writing:
Because of its formal tone, "delectation" is more likely to appear in older literature or in writing that aims for a sophisticated style. You might find it used to describe the refined pleasures of art, music, or fine dining.
For example, one could say "The connoisseur found great delectation in the subtle nuances of the vintage wine."
Specialized Publications:
Publications dealing with food, wine, or the arts might occasionally use "delectation" to emphasize the exquisite nature of the experiences they describe.
"Delectation of Tomatoes." This is the name of a web presence, that is dedicated to the growing of tomatoes, and the seeds that they produce. This is a very good example of the word being used in a modern online publication. (Delectation of Tomatoes, etc. | Latest developments and activities)
Historical Context:
The word may appear in historical texts or when discussing historical periods, as it was more commonly used in the past.
Also, the term "morose delectation" appears in some historical religious texts, and discussions of historical religious practices.
Figurative Use:
Even in modern discourse, "delectation" can be used figuratively to describe any intense pleasure or enjoyment, though "delight" or "pleasure" are more common.
Observations:
While "delectation" itself might not be in constant, everyday use, the concept it represents—intense pleasure—is universal.
You'll more frequently encounter related words like "delight," which carries a similar meaning but is more widely used.
10 Famous Quotes Using Delectation
"For the delectation of the curious, I present these humble observations." — Jonathan Swift
"Books are not made for furniture, but there is nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house. They are for use, for enjoyment, for delectation." — Henry Ward Beecher
"I write not for coin, but for the delectation of minds attuned to mirth and irony." — Charles Lamb
"The theatre exists for the delectation of the public, not the vanity of the playwright." — George Bernard Shaw
"The banquet was spread for the delectation of both body and soul." — Victor Hugo
"Some men pursue wealth, others power; I confess I pursue only the delectation of knowledge." — Francis Bacon
"Music is the one art that provides immediate delectation to the senses while elevating the spirit." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
"A good bookshop is a kind of sanctuary, offering intellectual delectation to all who enter." — Jorge Luis Borges
"Art should be more than mere delectation; it should disturb as well as please." — Marcel Duchamp
"Wine was given for the delectation of man, but woe to him who abuses the gift." — Thomas Fuller
Etymology
Imagine you're really enjoying something, like a delicious meal or a beautiful piece of music. That feeling of great pleasure is what "delectation" describes.
Here's how the word came about:
Latin Roots:
The word comes from the Latin word "delectatio," which means "delight" or "pleasure."
"Delectatio" itself comes from the verb "delectare," meaning "to delight" or "to please."
Breaking it down:
"Delectare" is formed by "de-" (meaning "down" or "thoroughly") and "lacere" (meaning "to entice" or "to lure"). So, it's like being thoroughly enticed or pleased.
First Known Use:
The word entered English through French ("délectation") in the late 14th century. So, it's been around for quite a while!
The first use of the word held the same meaning as it does today, which is a feeling of great pleasure or enjoyment.
In essence, "delectation" is a word that has traveled from ancient Latin, through French, and into English, always carrying the meaning of a deep and satisfying pleasure.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Delectation
"Delectation" is not a word that readily lends itself to common idioms or phrases. Its formal nature and less frequent use in everyday speech mean it doesn't appear in many established expressions.
Here's a breakdown and some ways to approach this:
Why It's Difficult:
Formal Tone: Idioms and common phrases tend to be informal and conversational. "Delectation" is more suited to formal writing or speech.
Specificity: The word refers to a specific type of pleasure, not a general action or concept that would easily fit into idioms.
Supplementing with Alternatives:
Since direct idioms are scarce, let's look at related concepts and how we might express them:
Phrases with Synonyms:
"To take great delight in..." (e.g., "to take great delight in the arts")
"To find pleasure in..." (e.g., "to find pleasure in simple things")
"A source of pure joy."
"To revel in the moment."
Original Phrases (with a hint of formality):
"Moments of pure delectation."
"To experience the full spectrum of delectation."
"A study in delectation."
"The art of seeking delectation."
Concept-Based Idioms:
To express the idea of finding intense pleasure, we can use idioms like:
"To be in seventh heaven."
"To be on cloud nine."
"To get a kick out of something." (more informal)
"To eat something up" (when talking about enjoying something)
Explanation:
While "delectation" itself doesn't feature in many idioms, we can convey the same feeling of intense pleasure using synonyms and related expressions. The key is to focus on the concept of enjoyment and find phrases that capture that sentiment, even if they don't use the word directly.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of delectation from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
