Language/Modern-greek-1453/Vocabulary/Polysemy-meaning-in-Greek

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Polysemy: Evolution of Greek language through time

Language change is not regulated, and it is impossible to intervene in this process individually or collectively.

Polysemy, the phenomenon in which a single word has multiple meanings, is present in the Greek language. Over time, languages, including Greek, evolve, and words undergo changes in meaning.

Social interactions contribute to these changes. However, the Greek language has remained relatively stable over a long period.

Semantic change refers to the evolution of word usage, often to the point where the current meaning significantly differs from the original. Language change is not controlled, and it is not possible to intervene either individually or in an organized manner.

For example, the ancient Greek verb "πυνθάνομαι" (I learn by listening or by asking) has been replaced by "inform" or "to inform." Words can also change their meaning: the verb "παιδεύω" (educate, instruct) has come to mean "provoke suffering."

The word "θυμὸς" once meant "the soul, the respiration," but now it means "anger." The word "ἰχθύς" used to mean "fish," but in modern Greek, it only refers to the astrological sign or appears in compound words like ιχθυοπώλης or ιχθυόσκαλα (fishmonger, fish market).

General factors that contribute to the change in word meanings include:

Cultural: Changes in culture can also influence word meanings.

For instance, "ἀρχεῖον" referred to the town hall or the official residence of principal magistrates in Sparta during antiquity. Later, public documents were stored there, causing the word to evolve semantically and take on its current meaning: "collection and restoration of documents." Another example is the word "λέσχη," which once meant a hideout for criminals, thieves, and beggars but now designates a meeting place for members of a social group (such as a club for civil servants, officers, etc.).

The word "οἰωνὸς" was used in antiquity to refer to any bird, but later it came to mean a divinatory bird or a prophetic sign. Similarly, "Ἀρχεῖον" used to mean the town hall or residence of chief magistrates in Sparta, but after public documents started being stored there, the word underwent semantic change.


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Marianthi

  • Ευγενική χορηγία που στοχεύει να βοηθήσει μαθητές ή μη, απανταχού της Γης, που επιδίδονται στην εκμάθηση της ελληνικής γλώσσας!
  • Contribution bénévole visant à aider les personnes, partout dans le monde, qui sont engagées dans l'apprentissage de la langue grecque !
  • Voluntary contribution aimed at helping people, all over the world, who are committed to learning the Greek language! 


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