Hellenism
/ˈhɛl.əˌnɪ.zəm/noun
The culture, ideals, or influence of ancient Greece; also the use of Greek language, style, or expressions.
Did you know?Hellenism comes from Greek Hellēnismos, meaning “Greek speech or way of speaking,” from Hellēn, the name Greeks used for themselves, not from any word for the underworld.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Hellēn
“a Greek person”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Hellēnismos
“Greek speech, Greek language, or Greek manner”
Late Latin
Latin
Hellenismus
“Greek style or use of Greek words”
16th Century
English
Hellenisme
“Greek language or culture; imitation of Greek style”
Modern English
English
Hellenism
“Greek culture, ideals, or influence; especially those of classical Greece”