Oikonomia
/ˌɔɪ.kəˈnoʊ.mi.ə/noun
The management or administration of a household, estate, or organization; by extension, an economy or system of resource use.
Did you know?In Greek thought, oikonomia could describe the careful ordering of a household, and later Christian writers used it for divine “dispensation,” turning everyday management into a sacred concept of cosmic order.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
οἰκονομία (oikonomía)
“Household management or administration; stewardship of a household or estate.”
Classical Greek
Greek
οἶκος (oîkos) + νόμος (nómos)
“House, household, family, or estate + management, custom, law, or distribution.”
Late Greek / Hellenistic
Greek
οἰκονομία
“Administration, arrangement, or stewardship; also a planned ordering or dispensation.”
Late Latin
Latin
oeconomia
“Management of a household or estate; arrangement or ordering.”
Middle English
English
econome / economy
“Household management, thrift, or prudent administration.”
Modern English
English
economy
“The system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services; also thrift or careful management.”
Explore more surprising origins