lily
lily
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "lily" is /ˈlɪl.i/.
/ˈlɪl/
/i/
Word Form Variations
Noun: lily (singular), lilies (plural)
Adjective: lily (used attributively, often in compounds like "lily-white"), lily-white (compound adjective) - no comparative/superlative forms
Verb: (No direct verb form in common use)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A beautiful flowering plant of the genus Lilium, typically with large, showy, often trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors, growing from a bulb. It is often associated with purity and beauty.
Synonyms: flower, bloom, blossom (specifically referring to the plant)
Antonyms: weed, thorn (as contrasting botanical categories or undesirable plants)
Definition 2: (Figurative, often plural "lilies") A symbol or representation of purity, innocence, or beauty.
Synonyms: emblem of purity, symbol of innocence, paradigm of beauty
Antonyms: blemish, stain, blemish of character
Definition 3: (In heraldry) A stylized representation of a lily, especially a fleur-de-lis, used as a decorative symbol.
Synonyms: fleur-de-lis, heraldic device, emblem
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, as it refers to a specific type of symbol)
Adjective
Definition 1: Of or characteristic of a lily; especially, having the white color or purity associated with lilies. (Often in "lily-white")
Synonyms: pure white, pearly, snow-white, unblemished, pure
Antonyms: dark, soiled, stained, impure, corrupt (if referring to character)
Definition 2 (of skin, complexion): Exceptionally fair or pale.
Synonyms: pale, fair, pallid, blanched
Antonyms: dark, tanned, ruddy, flushed
Examples of Use
Books:
"The garden was ablaze with color, but it was the pure white lily, standing tall amidst the roses, that truly captured her eye." (Fictional example from a descriptive novel)
"In Victorian floral language, the lily often symbolized purity and majesty, frequently depicted in funerary art." (From a non-fiction book on art history or symbolism)
"The bride, dressed in a flowing gown, was as lily-white as the petals of the flowers she carried." (Fictional example, emphasizing purity and pallor)
Newspapers:
"Botanists are working to preserve a rare species of wild lily discovered in the highlands." ("The Standard,")
"Critics argue that the candidate, despite his promises, is proving to be a lily-livered politician, unwilling to take tough stances." ("The Daily Nation,"- using the idiom)
"The wedding hall was decorated with elegant floral arrangements featuring white lilies and orchids." ("The New York Times")
Online Publications:
"How to care for your potted lily plants to ensure vibrant blooms year after year." (An article on a gardening blog, e.g., "Gardeners' World Online,")
"The latest fashion trend features soft, lily-white fabrics for a delicate, ethereal look." (A style guide on "Vogue.com,")
"Our new recipe for lemon and ginger chicken includes a garnish of edible lily petals." (A food blog, e.g., "Bon Appétit Online,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "She wore a simple dress, as pure as a lily in the morning dew." (Descriptive narration in a period drama, e.g., "Pride and Prejudice")
Television Series: "To prove your courage, you must confront the lily-livered beast in its lair!" (Dialogue from a fantasy or adventure show, e.g., "Game of Thrones" - often used for cowardly characters)
Song Lyrics: "My sweet lily, bloomed in the summer rain, a love so pure, will never fade away." (From a folk or country song, using "lily" as a term of endearment or symbol of purity)
Video Games: "Find the rare Moonlight Lily to brew the potion of healing." (In-game quest objective in an RPG, e.g., "The Witcher 3")
Podcasts: "In ancient myths, the lily often appears as a symbol of rebirth and the divine feminine." (A podcast discussing mythology or symbolism, e.g., "Lore")
General Public Discourse:
"I bought some beautiful pink lilies for my mom for her birthday." (A casual statement about flowers)
"He went as lily-white as a ghost when he saw the snake." (Describing someone's extreme pallor due to fear)
"Don't be such a lily-livered coward, stand up for yourself!" (An informal insult implying cowardice)
"The new baby has such soft, lily-white skin." (A descriptive comment about an infant)
"The vase of calla lilies really brightens up the room." (A comment about home decor)
10 Famous Quotes Using Lily
“The fairest thing in nature, a flower, still has its root in earth and manure—just as the lily does.” – D.H. Lawrence
“As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.” – Song of Solomon 2:2, The Bible
“Lily of the valley, pure and fair, teaching us that sweetness dwells in lowly things.” – Anonymous
“I’d rather wear flowers in my hair than diamonds around my neck. Wildflowers and lily crowns speak louder than gold.” – Anonymous
“The modest rose puts forth a thorn, the humble sheep a threat’ning horn: while the lily white shall in love delight, nor a thorn nor a threat stain her beauty bright.” – William Blake
“A single lily blooming in a field of weeds is still a lily.” – Matshona Dhliwayo
“Like the lily that blooms out of mud, we must rise above and be radiant.” – Debasish Mridha
“Her voice was as soft as a lily’s breath.” – L.M. Montgomery
“In the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed—like a lily opens to light.” – Khalil Gibran (adapted)
“I have seen the lily’s purity in her eyes; untouched by fear, unbowed by storm.” – Anonymous
Etymology
The word "lily" has a very straightforward and ancient origin, directly linked to the beautiful flower it describes.
It comes from the Old English word lilie.
This Old English term was borrowed from the Latin word lilium, which simply meant "a lily." The Latin word itself likely has even older roots, possibly from a very ancient Eastern Mediterranean word. It's interesting to note that similar words for the flower exist across many European languages, showing how widely recognized and valued this flower was.
The first known use of "lily" in English with the meaning of the specific flowering plant dates back to before the 12th century (Old English period). So, people have been calling this flower "lily" in English for a very long time! Over time, the word also developed figurative meanings related to the flower's common symbolism, like purity or whiteness.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Lily
Lily-white: Pure white; often used to describe skin color, but also metaphorically to mean pure or blameless (e.g., "a lily-white reputation").
Lily-livered: Cowardly, timid.
Gild the lily: To adorn or improve something that is already beautiful or perfect, thereby spoiling it. (From Shakespeare's King John)
To paint the lily: Same meaning as "gild the lily."
Valley of the Lilies: A poetic or romantic name for a beautiful, serene place. (Lesser-known/literary)
As pure as a lily: Extremely innocent or morally untainted.
To brave the wild lilies: To venture into untamed or challenging, yet beautiful, natural environments. (Original phrase, evoking adventure)
The lotus-lily of the Nile: A beautiful and significant flower, especially in Egyptian symbolism. (Synonym for water lily in a specific context)
To bloom like a lily: To grow beautifully and gracefully; to flourish.
A lily among thorns: A person or thing of great beauty or purity surrounded by ugliness or corruption. (Biblical allusion, Song of Solomon 2:2)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of lily from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
