Where does “catechesis” come from?
Catechesis derives from Ancient Greek κατηχέω, formed from κατά and ἠχή, ultimately tracing to Proto-Indo-European ḱóm and ḱe.
catechesis (English): Religious instruction given orally to catechumens
Definitions
- Religious instruction given orally to catechumens
Ancestry of “catechesis”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | Latin | catēchēsis | — |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | κατήχησις | oral instruction; instruction by word of mouth |
| 3 | Ancient Greek | κατηχέω | to resound; to teach by word of mouth |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | κᾰτᾰ- | fully; down; denoting motion downwards |
| 5 | Ancient Greek | κατά | |
| 6 | Ancient Greek | καταστερίζω | to place among the stars; I put among the stars |
| 7 | Ancient Greek | ἀστήρ | a celestial body; illustrious person; starfish |
| 8 | Proto-Hellenic | astḗr | star |
| 9 | Proto-Indo-European | h₂stḗr | star |
| 10 | Proto-Indo-European | h₂eHs- | to be/become dry; to burn, to glow; hearth |