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
- A brief reflection or maxim; a pithy saying; An...
Ancestry of “gnome”, step by step
gnome traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.
via Ancient Greek γνώμη
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ancient Greek | γνώμη | means of knowing: sign, mark; mind, intelligence;... |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | γιγνώσκω | I am aware of; I perceive, observe, know, learn;... |
| 3 | Proto-Indo-European | ǵn̥h₃sḱéti | to recognise |
| 4 | Proto-Indo-European | ǵneh₃- | to know |