Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe realm of faerie; enchantment, illusion.
nounA mythical being of human form with magical powers, known in many sizes and descriptions, although often depicted in modern illustrations only as a small sprite with gauze-like wings, especially one that is female. Fairies are revered in some modern forms of paganism.
Sentence Examples
When I was a child, my mother would often read fairy tales to me.
The little girl was absorbed in reading a fairy tale.
The little girl dressed up as a tiny ____ with glittery wings.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In the old story, a kind ____ godmother helped the girl to go to the royal ball and meet the prince.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English faierie, fairie, from Old French faerie, from fae + -erie, from Latin fāta (“goddess of fate”). Equivalent to fay + -ry. Attested in English from about 1330, in King Alisaunder, first in the sense of "enchantment, illusion, dream" ("that thou herdest is fairye") and shortly thereafter "realm of the fays, fairy-land" and "the inhabitants of fairyland, collectively". The re-interpretation of the term as a countable noun denoting individual inhabitants of fairy-land can be traced to the 1390s, but became common only in the 16th century, perhaps due to reinterpreting phrases like faerie knight.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"These he knew by their fiery eyes, and knew that he was at last in the land of Fairy."
— 1890, Joseph Jacobs, “Childe Rowland”, in English Fairy Tales, page 120:
""They used to say there were fairies in that hill, I must tell you!""
— 1886, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 51:
""When are we going to see this fairy?" demanded Algy.
"You, personally, never. You're far too immoral. I might let the others look at her from a distance in a year or two.""
— 1920, H. C. McNeile "Snapper", 'Bulldog Drummond':
"As she took out her key she was quite unaware that three pairs of eyes were watching her with interest from across the street. [...]
‘Strewth–’e ain’t ‘arf got a fairy this time,’ remarked the husky Mr. Clegg."
— 1942, Dennis Wheatley, 'Gunmen, Gallants and Ghosts':
"The cripple returned the smile and stuck out his hand. Miss Lonelyhearts clasped it, and they stood this way, smiling and holding hands, until Mrs. Doyle reëntered the room.
"What a sweet pair of fairies you guys are," she said.
The cripple pulled his hand away and made as though to strike his wife."
— 1933, Nathanael West, 'Miss Lonelyhearts' : [Miss Lonelyhearts is male.]: