dormitive virtue: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘dormitive virtue’ mean?
The idiom "dormitive virtue" refers to a substance or action that is believed to induce sleep or have a sleep-inducing quality.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "sleep" means to rest or be in a state of unconsciousness, usually at night, when the body and mind rejuvenate.
The idiom "let sleeping dogs lie" means to avoid interfering in a situation, especially if it may cause trouble or controversy. It suggests leaving things as they are, without disturbing or reigniting potential conflicts or problems.
The idiom "in one's cups" refers to being drunk or intoxicated. It implies that someone has consumed so much alcohol that they are influenced or affected by it. The phrase is often used to describe someone who is behaving differently or experiencing the effects of excessive drinking.
The idiom "in bed" is used to describe being in a state of involvement or deep understanding of a particular subject or activity.
The idiom "go to sleep" means to fall asleep or to begin the process of sleeping. It is often used to encourage someone to relax and rest, or to indicate that someone is not paying attention or is disinterested in a particular topic or situation.
The idiom "fox sleep" refers to a false sense of security or being naive. It originates from the habit of foxes to feign sleep, deceiving their prey. The idiom implies the danger of underestimating someone or something.
The idiom "fit to wake the dead" means extremely loud or shocking, capable of rousing even the deceased. It emphasizes a level of intensity or impact that is beyond normal expectations.
"Fast asleep" means to be in a deep, uninterrupted sleep, where one is completely unaware of their surroundings and difficult to wake up.
The idiom "fall asleep" is used to describe the act of entering into a state of sleep or becoming unconscious due to fatigue or tiredness.
Unleashing Dormitive Vitality
The idiom "dormitive virtue" originates from a satirical play by French playwright Molière. The phrase is derived from the Latin term "virtus dormitiva," which roughly translates to "sleep-inducing power". In Molière's play, a character sarcastically remarks about a medicine that it has a powerful sleep-inducing effect, mocking exaggerated claims made by certain medicines and the gullibility of those who believe in them. The phrase has now come to represent any exaggerated or false claim that purports to have a miraculous effect.
The idiom "dormitive virtue" is not commonly used in modern English and is primarily referenced in literary analysis or historical discussions about Molière's play. It may be used in academic or literary discussions to convey irony or sarcasm when describing something that lacks substantial evidence or credibility but claims to have extraordinary powers. However, it is not widely recognized or used by the general public in everyday conversations.
While the idiom "dormitive virtue" may not have much relevance in contemporary American culture, it serves as a reminder of the satirical and critical nature of Molière's work. It invites further exploration of the complexities and subtleties of language and communication.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "dormitive virtue" can be used in a sentence:
- "The professor's lecture had a dormitive virtue, as half the students fell asleep during it."
- "The soothing effects of the lullaby possessed a dormitive virtue, causing the baby to drift peacefully into sleep."
- "Despite its claims, the herbal tea had no dormitive virtue to help with insomnia."
More "Sleep" idioms
