Houyhnhnm
noun
A fictional horse-like creature in Jonathan Swift's novel Gulliver's Travels.
In Gulliver's Travels, the wise and rational houyhnhnms illustrate the folly of human nature.
Often appears as...
- rational houyhnhnm
- houyhnhnm society
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
noun
A fictional horse-like creature in Jonathan Swift's novel Gulliver's Travels.
In Gulliver's Travels, the wise and rational houyhnhnms illustrate the folly of human nature.
Often appears as...
- rational houyhnhnm
- houyhnhnm society
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Pronunciation Clue
Pronounced 'hwi-nim,' like 'win' with 'h' at the start and 'nim' at the end.
I had difficulty saying 'houyhnhnm' until I practiced the sound.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary Reference
Used specifically in discussing 'Gulliver's Travels' or comparing to pure rational beings.
Her leadership style was as measured as that of a houyhnhnm.
Pro Tip 3/3Symbolism
Houyhnhnms symbolize an ideal of reason beyond human attainment.
In an argument, he is as uncompromising and logical as a houyhnhnm.
Pro Tip 1/3Pronunciation Clue
Pronounced 'hwi-nim,' like 'win' with 'h' at the start and 'nim' at the end.
I had difficulty saying 'houyhnhnm' until I practiced the sound.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary Reference
Used specifically in discussing 'Gulliver's Travels' or comparing to pure rational beings.
Her leadership style was as measured as that of a houyhnhnm.
Pro Tip 3/3Symbolism
Houyhnhnms symbolize an ideal of reason beyond human attainment.
In an argument, he is as uncompromising and logical as a houyhnhnm.
Pro Tip 1/3Pronunciation Clue
Pronounced 'hwi-nim,' like 'win' with 'h' at the start and 'nim' at the end.
I had difficulty saying 'houyhnhnm' until I practiced the sound.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary Reference
Used specifically in discussing 'Gulliver's Travels' or comparing to pure rational beings.
Her leadership style was as measured as that of a houyhnhnm.
Pro Tip 3/3Symbolism
Houyhnhnms symbolize an ideal of reason beyond human attainment.
In an argument, he is as uncompromising and logical as a houyhnhnm.
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