σοφιστής

Ancient Greek

Etymology

From σοφίζω (sophízō, to become wise) + -τής (-tḗs), from σοφός (sophós, wise).

Pronunciation

 

Noun

σοφῐστής • (sophistḗs) m (genitive σοφῐστοῦ); first declension

(Attic, Ionic, Koine)
  1. A master of one's craft
  2. One who is wise, prudent, a philosopher
  3. teacher, tutor
  4. (slang, derogatory) One who makes a profit off of false wisdom: cheat, swindler

Usage notes

The reputation of the teachers at Athens came into decline in the fifth century BC, and thus came the connotation of cheat. This varies with time in relation to the general approval or disapproval of the paid teachers.

Inflection

Derived terms

and see at σοφός (sophós, wise)

Descendants

Further reading

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