ταπεινοφροσύνη
tapeinofronísi
The Greek word for humility is ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinofronísi).
ταπεινοφροσύνη is used to describe the characteristic of being humble.
Meaning: characteristic of being humble (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This word is a compound of ταπεινός (tapeinós), which means 'lowly' or 'humble' and φροσύνη (phrosýni), which means 'mindset' or 'attitude'.
Which one should you use?
ταπεινότητα is also a direct way to say 'humility'.
How do you pronounce it?
tapeinofronísi
Did you know?
- In Ancient Greece, the root word ταπεινός originally carried a strictly negative connotation, describing someone of low social status or lacking in nobility rather than a moral virtue.
- The shift of ταπεινοφροσύνη from a term of shame to a spiritual virtue occurred largely due to the influence of early Christianity and the biblical emphasis on the 'meek'.
- The term ταπεινός shares a linguistic root with the Greek word for 'valley' or 'lowland', linking the concept of humility to the lowest point of a landscape.
Examples in context
- Ο Γιώργος είναι πολύ ταπεινός, παρά τη μεγάλη του επιτυχία.George is very humble despite his great success.
- Η σεμνότητα της κυρίας Μαρίας μας εντυπωσίασε.Mrs. Maria's humility impressed us.
- Η ταπεινοφροσύνη είναι μια σπάνια αρετή.I tapeinofrosyni einai mia spania areti.Humility is a rare virtue.
- Μου αρέσει η ταπεινοφροσύνη του.Mou aresei i tapeinofrosyni tou.I like his humility.
- Χρειάζεται ταπεινοφροσύνη για να μάθεις κάτι.Chreiazetai tapeinofrosyni gia na mathis kati.You need humility to learn something.
