Mathesis
/məˈθiːsɪs/noun
A learned or scholarly discipline, especially mathematics or the study of learning.
Did you know?In Renaissance and early modern writing, *mathesis* could mean not just mathematics but a higher, almost esoteric system of ordered knowledge — the dream of turning reality into a readable code.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*men-
“to think, remember, be mindful”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μάθησις (máthēsis)
“learning, study, acquisition of knowledge”
Late Latin
Latin
mathesis
“learning, science, especially astrology or mathematics in learned usage”
Middle English
English
mathesis
“scholarly learning; mathematics; sometimes astrology in older learned texts”
Modern English
English
mathesis
“a learned term for the process or system of knowledge, especially in philosophical or historical contexts”
Explore more surprising origins