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Dionysian

adj. describing a state of mind that is irrational, sensuous, disordered, and even drunken or mad (from Dionysus, Greek god of wine, intoxication, and ritual madness or ecstasy). This modern use of the term was originated by Friedrich Nietzsche, who drew a contrast between the Dionysian and the Apollonian sides of human nature. He felt that a Dionysian attitude would counter the enervating effects of the Apollonian attitude then dominant in morality, religion, and philosophy.

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Psychology term of the day

January 30th 2025

vowel

vowel

n.

1. a voiced speech sound that is produced when the breath stream vibrating the vocal cords has unobstructed passage through the vocal tract.

2. one of the letters of the alphabet used to represent these sounds in writing. Compare consonant.