Greek

Definition

The word "Greek" denotes (1) relating to Greece, its people, culture, or language; (2) the Hellenic language spoken in Greece and by Greek communities worldwide; and (3) a person from Greece or of Greek descent.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ɡriːk/
• Respelling: GREEK

British English

• IPA: /ɡriːk/
• Respelling: GREEK

Etymology

From Latin Graecus “Greek,” from Ancient Greek Graîkos (Γραικός), originally the name of a tribe in central Greece; adopted in English from Middle English Greke.

Derivatives

• Hellenic (adjective)
• Hellenize (verb)
• Hellenism (noun)
• Grecism (noun)

Synonyms

• Hellenic

Antonyms

• Non-Greek
• Foreign

Usage

"Greek" appears in contexts of language study, cultural reference, and nationality. Examples: "She is fluent in Greek," "Greek architecture is renowned for its columns," and "He celebrated his Greek heritage."

Related Terms

• Hellenic: Pertaining to Greek culture or language.
• Greece: The country in southeastern Europe.
• Greco-: Combining form meaning “Greek.”
• Byzantine: Relating to the Eastern Roman (Greek) Empire.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Relating to Greece, its people, or culture: Refers to anything originating from or characteristic of Greece.
  • Example: "Ancient Greek pottery often features geometric designs."
• Of or pertaining to the Greek language: Describes words, texts, or studies involving Greek.
  • Example: "She is taking Greek literature this semester."

Noun

• A native or inhabitant of Greece: A person born in or with ancestry from Greece.
  • Example: "My neighbor is a Greek who moved here in 1990."
• The Hellenic language: The language spoken by Greeks, with a history spanning millennia.
  • Example: "The New Testament was originally written in Koine Greek."