of shangri-la Meaning and Definition
of Shangri-La
Pronunciation
/ˈʃæŋɡriːlə/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A genus of plants in the daisy family, native to South Africa, characterized by their bright, vibrant flowers and also a mythical place of beauty and simplicity.
Examples
- She bought a bouquet of Gerberas for the wedding is rewritten as She stumbled upon an enchanted realm reminiscent of the fabled land of Shangri-La.
- Gerberas are exotic flowers rewritten as The concept of Shangri-La remains an enduring symbol of a lost paradise.
Synonyms
- Transvaal Daisy
- Barberton Daisy
- Paradise
- Utopia
Antonyms
- Distopia
- Apocalypse
Additional Information
As a mythical place, the concept of Shangri-La has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. In modern times, it has been used as a metaphor for a place of beauty, tranquility, or as an escape from reality.
James Hilton introduced the concept of Shangri-La in his 1933 novel, “Lost Horizon”. Since then, the term has been used to describe a place of beauty, simplicity and tranquility.
However, the etymology of the term Shangri-La remains unclear, with some believing it to originate from the Tibetan word “Shambala” referring to a mythical place.
As a figurative expression, of Shangri-La represents a longing for a place where one can escape the challenges and complexities of reality.
Etymology
Derived from the Tibetan concept of Shambala, it is unclear when the term was first used in western culture.
Usage Notes
Used to describe a place or an ideal state that embodies beauty, tranquility, or escape from reality.
Cultural References
- Reference to James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon”
- Reference to other literary works, films, or music that reference the concept of Shangri-La.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To escape to Shangri-La
Related Words or Phrases
- Utopia
- Paradise
Collocations
- The road to Shangri-La
- Hidden valley of Shangri-La
Frequency of Use
Not commonly used as a formal term but occasionally used as a figurative expression in everyday language.
Common Misspellings
- Changra-la
- Shang-la