Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
pygmalion
noun
/pɪɡˈmeɪliən/
Definition
Pygmalion is a mythological figure known for sculpting a beautiful statue of a woman that he fell in love with.
Examples
- In George Bernard Shaw’s play, the character Henry Higgins attempts to transform Eliza Doolittle from a flower girl into a refined lady, a true Pygmalion story.
- The teacher took on the role of a pygmalion, helping her students to reach their full potential.
Meaning
The term refers to an instance where someone shapes or transforms another person into something they idealize, often used to describe situations where a mentor helps a protégé achieve personal growth.
Synonyms
- creator
- sculptor
- mentor
- transformer
