Greek: Words/phrases Flashcards
Academy
Place of learning, college or university.
‘Akademia’ was a grove near Athens named after Greek hero Akademos. School of philosophy founded there in 4th century BC.
Draconian
Extremely severe.
Draco compiled first legal code for his city, even minor offenses had harsh penalties. Laws were said to be “written in blood”.
Ostracism
Banishment or exclusion from a group or society.
In ancient Athens assemblies were held with votes cast on broken pottery (an ‘ostrakon’) with the name of a man considered to be dangerous to the ideals of democracy. Highest number of vote = exiled.
Laconic
Using few words, concise.
Citizens of Laconia were know to be people of few words.
Pyrrhic victory
A victory won at too great a cost.
Pyrrhus = skillful Greek military commander who defeated the Romans but suffered huge losses.
Devil’s advocate
A person who expresses a contentious opinion in order to provoke debate.
When investigating a candidate applying for sainthood the bishop appoints a ‘promoter of faith’ (or ‘devils advocate’) to ensure the whole truth is known about the candidate.
Sword of Damocles
A constantly threatening disaster.
Damocles was invited to a dinner where he had to sit under a sword suspended by a single hair: represents insecurity of happiness and ever-present danger.
Bacchanalian
Drunken
Herculean
Requiring great strength or effort
A labour of Hercules
A hard task
Hydra
Persistant evil, difficult to eradicate
Pandora’s box
A process that, once begun, generates many problems
Stygian
Gloomy
Sisyphean task
Endless task
Judgement of Paris
Difficult decision
