Μεράκι
/meˈraci/noun
A passionate devotion or loving care invested in doing something.
Did you know?Modern Greek μεράκι entered the language through Turkish merak, a word ultimately connected with Arabic expressions of curiosity, desire, and passionate interest.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Arabic
Arabic
مَرَقَة / maraq
“A root associated in later Arabic usage with curiosity, desire, or eager interest”
Ottoman Turkish
Ottoman Turkish
merak
“Curiosity, concern, desire, or an intense preoccupation”
18th–19th Century
Turkish
merak
“Curiosity, longing, or passionate interest”
Modern Greek
Greek
μεράκι
“Passion, loving care, or wholehearted devotion expressed through one’s work”
Modern English
English
meraki
“The practice of putting soul, creativity, and love into what one does”