Sibylline
/ˈsɪbɪlaɪn/adjective
Mysterious or hard to understand.
His sibylline statements left the audience confused.
Often appears as...
- sibylline book
- sibylline prophecy
Usage tips
Literary
adjective
Relating to a prophetess in ancient times.
The ancient Romans believed in the sibylline oracles.
Often appears as...
- sibylline oracle
- sibylline prophecy
Usage tips
Formal
Historical
adjective
Mysterious or hard to understand.
His sibylline statements left the audience confused.
Often appears as...
- sibylline book
- sibylline prophecy
Usage tips
Literary
adjective
Relating to a prophetess in ancient times.
The ancient Romans believed in the sibylline oracles.
Often appears as...
- sibylline oracle
- sibylline prophecy
Usage tips
Formal
Historical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literary Usage
Used often in literature to describe things with a hidden or ambiguous meaning.
The novel's sibylline ending left readers pondering the true fate of the protagonist.
Pro Tip 2/3Induces Curiosity
Can imply something meant to intrigue or provoke curiosity in the reader or listener.
She offered a sibylline smile when asked about her past, sparking rumors and guesses.
Pro Tip 3/3Convey Mystery
Suitable when describing situations or texts that are intentionally puzzling or secretive.
The sibylline clues in the treasure hunt created an air of mystery.
Compare with
ambiguouscrypticenigmaticesotericmysteriousmysticaloracularprophetic
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