Pneuma
/ˈnjuː.mə/noun
In ancient philosophy, 'pneuma' refers to the vital spirit, breath, or life force.
Did you know?In ancient Greek thought, 'pneuma' was believed to be the animating force of life, linking the breath of the divine to human existence.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
πνεῦμα (pneuma)
“breath, spirit, or vital air.”
1st Century
Greek
πνευματικός (pneumatikos)
“relating to the spirit or breath; often used in theological contexts.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
pneuma
“spirit or breath, adopted in philosophical and medical texts.”
16th Century
Middle English
pneuma
“borrowed from Latin, used in discussions of philosophy and medicine regarding life force.”
Modern English
English
pneuma
“retained from Latin, primarily in philosophical, medical, and theological contexts.”
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