Παῖς: Discovering the child within
Ancient Greek Word of the Week: Pais
Imagine you’re feeling unwell, and your mother calls the doctor to help you feel better. Did you know that by calling this doctor, the pediatrician, she is using a word that comes directly from ancient Greece? This week, we will journey into the past and uncover the secrets of another tiny, but mighty word. In fact, it is so important that the Greeks used it as the root for naming both education and play, two concepts that are essential in our lives. The word is …
ΠΑΙΣ!
Παῖς (pron. pés, meaning child) is the root of many words we use today related to children, teaching, and learning. This little word has traveled through time, influencing our language and how we talk about both education and care.
Παῖς gave us:
• Pediatrician: The doctor who specializes in caring for children. The word combines παῖς with ἰατρός (iatrós), meaning doctor.
• Pedagogy: This is the art or science of teaching. It comes from παῖς and ἀγωγὴ (agogí, yes, just like Elliniki Agogi!), meaning education, so it literally means “the education of a child.”
• Pedagogue: An old-fashioned word for a teacher, this word also combines παῖς and ἀγωγός, highlighting the role of a teacher as a guide for children.
• Paideia: A concept that encompasses the upbringing and education of children, reflecting the broadest aspects of cultural education.
• Encyclopedia: A comprehensive reference book with information on a wide range of subjects which combines παιδεία with ἐν+κύκλος (en + cyclos, mean. in circle), all-encompassing.
But, it also gave us …
WikiPedia!
A modern reference work combining "wiki" (a Hawaiian word meaning quick) with παιδεία / paideia - pedia, reflecting its nature as a fast, accessible source of knowledge.
All these ancient words show the importance of the Ancient Greek language, which has deeply influenced educational and scientific vocabulary internationally, proving that the wisdom of the past continues to shape our present.
So next time you visit your pediatrician, engage in paideia, look something up in an encyclopedia, or even wikipedia, remember the ancient roots of these words. By using them, you honor the timeless legacy of ancient Greek and connect to a rich history of knowledge and care.
Listen and Repeat
Scan the QR code to hear the pronunciation of Παῖς. Make sure to say it out loud three times!
Write It Out!
Practice writing ancient Greek with this printable:
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