Halcyon
/ˈhæl.si.ən/
adjectivenounC1
Definition
Halcyon means calm, peaceful, and happy, usually describing a time or period that was very good and without problems. As a noun, it refers to a special bird from old stories that was believed to make the sea calm when it sat on its nest.
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See It in Action
Describing a peaceful and happy time, often in the past
- •We remember the halcyon days of summer when everything was easy.
- •The town enjoyed a halcyon period before the big changes came.
- •Her childhood was a halcyon time full of laughter and joy.
A mythical bird believed to calm the sea during its nesting
- •According to legend, the halcyon calms the waves for two weeks.
- •The story of the halcyon bird is told to explain peaceful seas.
- •Artists sometimes paint the halcyon as a symbol of peace and calm.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "halcyon" like "calm" (A1 word), but more special and often used for a happy time in the past.
- ✓Picture a quiet sea with no waves, soft sunshine, and no noise at all.
- ✓It’s the feeling when you remember a perfect holiday or a peaceful childhood.
- ✓Sounds like "HAL-see-on" → imagine a gentle bird named "Halcyon" flying over calm water, making everything peaceful.
- ✓In stories, the halcyon bird is like a magical symbol of peace and quiet during storms.
- ✓NOT like "stormy" or "noisy" times, halcyon means everything is smooth and peaceful.
- ✓NOT like "normal calm" but a special, almost perfect calm and happiness.
- ✓NOT like "today" or "future" times, halcyon often talks about a peaceful past.
Try Other Words
- •Peaceful: quiet and calm without trouble (Use when focusing on lack of noise or conflict)
- •Serene: very calm and peaceful (Use when describing a gentle, clear, and beautiful calm)
- •Tranquil: free from disturbance or noise (Use when emphasizing natural or outdoor calm)
- •Golden: a very good or happy time in the past (Use when emphasizing happiness and value in memory)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix) — the word is from a name in mythology
- •Etymology: From Greek "halkyon" or "halcyon," a bird said to calm the sea during winter
- •Historical development: The word came into English from Latin and Greek stories about this bird and the calm days it brought
- •Modern usage: Used to describe peaceful and happy times, especially in stories, memories, or poetry
- •Interesting fact: The phrase "halcyon days" means a short period of calm and happiness, often in winter
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a "halcyon" time in your life? What made it peaceful and happy?
•Why do you think people like to remember "halcyon" days more than difficult times?
Fill in the blanks
1.People often call their childhood a halcyon ___ because it was full of happiness and no problems.
2.The legend says the halcyon bird makes the sea ___ during its nesting time.
3.After the storm, the town enjoyed a halcyon ___ of quiet and calm.
4.Unlike busy and noisy days, halcyon times are ___ and peaceful.
5.The word halcyon is often used to describe a past ___ that feels perfect and calm.
6.When someone talks about halcyon days, they usually ___ about a happy memory.
7.The sea was so halcyon that even the smallest ___ could be seen clearly on the water.