1. expressions, idioms, or linguistic features characteristic of the Attic dialect of ancient Greek, especially those considered refined or elegant
Usage: literary; classical studies
2. refined or elegant expressions in language, especially those that imitate classical Greek style
Usage: literary

Examples

• The scholar’s writing was filled with atticisms that reflected his classical education.
• Her speech contained several atticisms that impressed the academic audience.
• The translator preserved the atticisms found in the original Greek text.
• Students of classical literature learn to recognize common atticisms.
• The poet’s use of atticisms gave his work a timeless, elevated quality.
• Modern writers sometimes employ atticisms to create a sense of gravitas.