Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “gnome” come from?

Gnome comes from Ancient Greek γνώμη, derived from Ancient Greek γιγνώσκειν meaning "to know," originally denoting a maxim or saying expressing knowledge.

gnome (English): A brief reflection or maxim; a pithy saying; An...

Definitions

  1. A brief reflection or maxim; a pithy saying; An...

Ancestry of “gnome”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Ancient Greekγνώμηmeans of knowing: sign, mark; mind, intelligence;...
2Ancient GreekγιγνώσκωI am aware of; I perceive, observe, know, learn;...
3Proto-Indo-Europeanǵn̥h₃sḱétito recognise
4Proto-Indo-Europeanǵneh₃-to know

Words derived from “gnome”

  • gnomish
  • gnomelike
  • gnomishly
  • gnomishness
  • gnomophobia
  • gnomery
  • Rogergnome
  • ノーム
Every word from Proto-Indo-European ǵneh₃- →