sylvan
|syl-van|
/ˈsɪlvən/
of the woods; wooded
Etymology
'sylvan' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'silvanus', where 'silva' meant 'wood' or 'forest'.
'sylvan' passed into English via Medieval/Neo-Latin (silvanus) and Old French forms such as 'sylvain', later becoming the modern English adjective 'sylvan'.
Initially it meant 'of or belonging to the woods' in Latin, and over time it has retained that core meaning while also acquiring a literary/pastoral nuance in English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
(literary/folklore) A spirit or inhabitant of the woods; a woodland being (rare).
Legends spoke of a sylvan who guarded the old oak.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
of, relating to, or characteristic of woods or forests; wooded.
They found a sylvan clearing where sunlight dappled the grass.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
having the qualities of the countryside or woodland; pleasantly rural or pastoral (literary).
The estate's sylvan surroundings made it a peaceful retreat.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/04 10:22