What does “Ninth circle of hell” mean?
"The ninth circle of hell" means the lowest and most severe level of suffering or punishment.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After what he did, he deserves to be in the ninth circle of hell.
Example
Living with chronic pain feels like being trapped in the ninth circle of hell.
Example
The conditions in that prison are like the ninth circle of hell
Is “Ninth circle of hell” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Ninth circle of hell” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Ninth circle of hell” effectively in context?
You can use "ninth circle of hell" to describe a situation or experience that is extremely difficult, painful, or unbearable. It emphasizes the severity and intensity of the suffering or punishment involved. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase:
- 1Personal Struggle
After losing her job, her home, and her loved ones, she felt like she was in the ninth circle of hell.
- 2Physical Pain
Living with chronic pain feels like being trapped in the ninth circle of hell.
- 3Harsh Conditions
The conditions in that prison are like the ninth circle of hell.
Similar phrases to “Ninth circle of hell”:
Living hell
A situation or experience that is extremely difficult, unpleasant, or unbearable
Example
Going through a divorce can feel like living in hell.
In the depths of despair
Experiencing extreme sadness, hopelessness, or misery
Example
After losing everything, he found himself in the depths of despair.
Hell on earth
A situation or place that is filled with extreme suffering, chaos, or misery
Example
The war-torn region was like hell on earth.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Ninth circle of hell” come from?
The origin of the phrase "ninth circle of hell" can be traced back to Dante Alighieri's epic poem, 'Inferno,' which is part of his larger work, 'The Divine Comedy.' In 'Inferno,' Dante describes Hell as having nine concentric circles, with each circle representing a different sin and corresponding punishment. The ninth circle is reserved for the most severe sinners, particularly traitors, and is depicted as a frozen lake called Cocytus. Over time, the phrase 'ninth circle of hell' has come to symbolize the deepest and most extreme level of suffering or punishment.
Is “Ninth circle of hell” common in everyday conversation?
While the phrase "ninth circle of hell" may not be as commonly used as some other expressions, it is still recognizable to many people, especially those familiar with Dante's 'Inferno' or literature enthusiasts. It is often used in more dramatic or metaphorical contexts to convey a sense of extreme suffering or punishment.
What tone does “Ninth circle of hell” have?
"Ninth circle of hell" conveys a tone of intense suffering, despair, and hopelessness. It is typically used to describe situations or experiences that are considered to be the epitome of misery or torment.
Can “Ninth circle of hell” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "ninth circle of hell" is more commonly used in informal settings, such as casual conversations or informal writing. However, it can also be used in more formal contexts, particularly when discussing literature, philosophy, or deep emotional experiences.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
While it is possible to use the phrase "ninth circle of hell" by itself to convey its general meaning, it is more commonly used as part of a sentence to provide context and emphasize the severity of the situation. For example, 'The pain was so excruciating, it felt like I was in the ninth circle of hell.'
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- extreme suffering
- unbearable torment
- severe punishment
- utter agony
- inescapable misery
- profound anguish
- unrelenting torment
- unimaginable suffering
- intense punishment
- unendurable agony
Antonyms
- blissful paradise
- heavenly joy
- peaceful serenity
- eternal happiness
- tranquil bliss
- delightful ecstasy
- pure contentment
- complete fulfillment
- perfect harmony
- unbounded pleasure