Where does “Sophocles” come from?
Sophocles derives from Ancient Greek Σοφοκλῆς, composed of σοφός meaning wise and -κλέης from κλέος meaning glory, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European ḱléwos.
Sophocles (English): A Greek dramatic poet (ca. 497 – 405); Sophocles was one of the three greatest Greek tragedians. In the Athenian dramatic competitions of the Festival of Dionysus, he won more first prizes (around 20) than any other playwright, and placed second in all others he participated in. He is best remembere
Definitions
- A Greek dramatic poet (ca. 497 – 405); Sophocles was one of the three greatest Greek tragedians. In the Athenian dramatic competitions of the Festival of Dionysus, he won more first prizes (around 20) than any other playwright, and placed second in all others he participated in. He is best remembere
Ancestry of “Sophocles”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latin | Sophocles | Sophocles of Colonus, a celebrated Greek dramatic poet (ca. 497 – 405); Sophocles was one of the three greatest Greek tragedians. In the Athenian dramatic competitions of the Festival of Dionysus, he won more first prizes (around 20) than any other playwright, and placed second in all others he part |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | Σοφοκλῆς | In particular, the 5th century tragic playwright Sophocles |
| 3 | Ancient Greek | -κλῆς | An element found in given names |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | -κλέης | — |
| 5 | Ancient Greek | κλέος | rumour, report; good report, fame, glory; bad... |
| 6 | Proto-Hellenic | kléwos | fame |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | ḱléwos | fame |
| 8 | Proto-Indo-European | ḱlew- | to hear |
| 9 | Proto-Indo-European | ḱel- | to cover; to incline |