World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesDeus ex machina
/ˌdeɪ.əs ɛks ˈmɑː.kɪ.nə/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly resolved by an unexpected and unlikely occurrence.
"In the final act, the hero's dilemma was resolved through a deus ex machina when a long-lost character appeared to save the day." - 2
An unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation, especially in a literary work.
"The story's climax relied heavily on a deus ex machina, which left the audience feeling unsatisfied."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Latin translation of the ancient Greek theatrical phrase 'apò mēchanḗs theós', referring to the crane used to lower actors playing gods onto the stage. The term entered English usage in the 17th century to describe an artificial or improbable plot device introduced suddenly to resolve a seemingly inextricable conflict in a story.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Deus ex machina"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Deus ex machina" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
dieu ex machina
Transliteration: dieu ex machina
"Dans la pièce, le dénouement était un dieu ex machina."
Gott aus der Maschine
Transliteration: Gott aus der Maschine
"In der Geschichte war das Ende ein Gott aus der Maschine."
dio dalla macchina
Transliteration: dio dalla macchina
"Il finale era un dio dalla macchina."
dios de la máquina
Transliteration: dios de la máquina
"El final fue un dios de la máquina."
deus ex machina
Transliteration: deus ex machina
"O final foi um deus ex machina."
देव-एक्स-मैचिना
Transliteration: dev-ex-machina
"कहानी का अंत एक देव-एक्स-मैचिना था।"
机器神
Transliteration: jīqì shén
"故事的结局是一个机器神。"
기계에서 온 신
Transliteration: gigaeseo on sin
"이야기의 결말은 기계에서 온 신이었다."
機械仕掛けの神
Transliteration: kikaijikake no kami
"物語の結末は機械仕掛けの神だった。"
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