Idyllic
/ɪˈdɪlɪk/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Idyllic means something that is very calm, peaceful, and beautiful, often like a perfect scene in the countryside or nature. It describes moments or places that feel simple, happy, and free from problems.
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See It in Action
Describing a peaceful, beautiful place in nature or countryside
- •They spent their vacation in an idyllic village by the sea.
- •The garden looked idyllic with colorful flowers and butterflies.
- •The cabin is located in an idyllic spot, far from the city noise.
Describing a happy and simple situation or time
- •Their childhood was idyllic, full of fun and no worries.
- •The movie shows an idyllic family life before the problems start.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "idyllic" like "nice" or "beautiful" (A1 words), but with a strong feeling of peace and happiness in a natural or simple setting
- ✓Picture a small, quiet village with green fields, flowers, and birds singing, where everything feels calm and perfect
- ✓It's the feeling you get on a quiet holiday by a lake or in the mountains, away from noise and stress
- ✓Sounds like "eye-DEAL-ick" → imagine the word "ideal" (perfect) with a calm "ick" sound at the end, reminding you of a perfect, peaceful place
- ✓Remember stories or movies where characters find a perfect, peaceful place to rest or live happily, like a peaceful farm or a beautiful garden
- ✓NOT like "busy" or "noisy" places—idyllic places are quiet and calm
- ✓NOT like "perfect" in a strict way, but perfect in a natural, simple, and peaceful way
- ✓NOT like "urban" or "city" environments, which are often loud and crowded
Try Other Words
- •Peaceful: calm and quiet (Use when focusing on calmness without strong emphasis on beauty)
- •Picturesque: visually attractive like a picture (Use when emphasizing beauty and appearance)
- •Perfect: without problems or faults (Use when emphasizing flawlessness, less about peace or nature)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Greek "eidyllion" meaning "little picture or poem," related to simple, beautiful scenes
- •Etymology: comes from Greek through Latin and French, originally describing short poems about happy rural life
- •Historical development: first used in English in the 1600s to describe simple, happy country scenes
- •Modern usage: used to describe places, times, or situations that feel naturally beautiful, peaceful, and happy
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of places or moments in your life feel idyllic to you, and why?
•Can an idyllic place or situation also have problems? How does that change the feeling?
Fill in the blanks
1.The small village was idyllic because it was surrounded by ___ hills and ___ rivers.
2.People often describe childhood as idyllic when it is full of ___ and free from ___.
3.Unlike a busy city, an idyllic place is usually very ___ and ___.
4.When someone talks about an idyllic vacation, they usually mean it was both ___ and ___.
5.The house is located in an idyllic setting, ___ from noise and ___.
6.Idyllic scenes often include ___ nature, such as flowers, trees, and ___ animals.
7.Although idyllic places seem perfect, sometimes people ___ challenges quietly without changing the peaceful ___.