Charis
/ˈkærɪs/noun
A Greek noun meaning grace, favor, kindness, beauty, or a gracious gift.
Did you know?In Greek mythology, Charis was also associated with the Charites—the Graces—divine figures of beauty, charm, celebration, and generosity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵʰer-
“To like, desire, or find pleasing; the reconstructed root traditionally connected with Greek charis.”
Mycenaean Greek
Mycenaean Greek
𐀒𐀩𐀙 (ka-si)
“A possible early Greek form connected with the later charis word-family, though the reading and interpretation are debated.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χάρις (kharis)
“Grace, favor, kindness, beauty, gratitude, or a gracious gift.”
Classical Greek
Greek
Χάρις (Kharis)
“A Grace or goddess associated with beauty, charm, generosity, and celebration.”
Hellenistic Greek
Greek
χάρισμα (kharisma)
“A freely given favor or gift; later, a divinely bestowed gift.”
Modern English
English
charis
“A scholarly or theological borrowing from Greek referring to grace, favor, or a gracious gift.”