HELLENISMS Meaning and
Definition
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Hellenisms, in its broadest sense, refers to the influences, characteristics, or elements of Greek culture, language, or civilization. It represents the impact of ancient Greece on other cultures, especially during the Hellenistic period, which spanned from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC to the Roman conquests in the 1st century BC.
In a narrower context, hellenisms can refer to individual words or phrases borrowed or derived from the Greek language into other languages. In linguistics, hellenisms are considered loanwords and can encompass various fields such as science, medicine, philosophy, religion, and academia, as Greek civilization made significant contributions in these areas.
Furthermore, hellenisms can describe specific architectural, artistic, or cultural characteristics influenced or inspired by Greek art and design principles. This includes the use of architectural orders like Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, as well as motifs, techniques, and aesthetics employed in sculpture, painting, and pottery.
In religious studies, hellenisms also describe the assimilation or adaptation of Greek mythology, beliefs, and rituals into other religions or belief systems. Ancient Greek religion, with its pantheon of gods and goddesses, myths, and ceremonies, had a profound influence on the development of religious practices in various cultures.
Overall, hellenisms encompass a range of cultural, linguistic, artistic, and religious influences stemming from ancient Greece, embodying the legacy and enduring impact of Greek civilization on subsequent civilizations and human history.
Common Misspellings for HELLENISMS
Etymology of HELLENISMS
The word "hellenisms" is derived from the noun "Hellenism", which itself is derived from the adjective "Hellenic".
"Hellenic" comes from the ancient Greek word "Hellen", referring to the ancient Greeks and their language. It is believed to have originated from the name of a progenitor or leader of the Hellenes, possibly Hellen, son of Deucalion and Pyrrha in ancient Greek mythology.
The suffix "-ism" is added to the word "Hellenic" to form "Hellenism", which refers to the culture, language, customs, and traditions of ancient Greece.
"Hellenisms" then becomes the plural form of "Hellenism", referring to various features, concepts, or borrowings from ancient Greek culture that have influenced other cultures, particularly in areas such as philosophy, literature, art, or language.
