ΑΠΟΜΙΜΗΜΑ
The concept of ἀπομίμημα, "imitation" or "copy," forms a foundational cornerstone of Platonic philosophy, particularly in the Republic, where it describes how sensible things are inferior versions of eternal Forms. Its lexarithmos (290) suggests a connection with the idea of reproduction and reflection.
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According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, ἀπομίμημα (to) primarily means "an imitation, a copy, a mimicry." It derives from the verb ἀπομιμέομαι, meaning "to imitate, to copy from." This word is central to ancient Greek philosophy, especially in Plato, where it is used to describe the relationship between sensible objects and intelligible Forms.
In the Platonic system, the things we perceive with our senses are "ἀπομιμήματα" of the eternal and perfect Forms or Ideas. For instance, a particular horse is an ἀπομίμημα of the Form of Horse. This relationship implies a hierarchy, where the ἀπομίμημα is always inferior in reality and perfection to the original. Plato employs this concept to explain the imperfect nature of the material world in relation to the world of Forms.
The notion of ἀπομίμημα is not confined to metaphysics alone. It extends to art, where the artist creates an ἀπομίμημα of nature or reality, which in turn is already an ἀπομίμημα of the Forms. Thus, art, for Plato, is "μίμησις μιμήσεως," an imitation of an imitation, and therefore three steps removed from truth. This critique of art as imitation is one of the most well-known aspects of Platonic aesthetics.
The word retains its basic meaning of reproduction or copying, but its philosophical charge makes it a powerful tool for understanding the relationship between original and copy, reality and appearance, and the hierarchy of existence.
Etymology
Cognate words derived from the same root μιμ- include the verb μιμέομαι, the noun μίμησις (the act of imitation), μίμημα (the result of imitation, the copy), μιμητής (the imitator), and the adjective μιμητικός (imitative). Also, compounds such as παντομίμος (one who imitates everything) and ἔκμιμος (copied from). All these words revolve around the central idea of reproduction, copying, and resemblance.
Main Meanings
- Copy, imitation — The most basic meaning, the result of the act of imitation.
- Image, likeness — Something that resembles something else, a representation.
- Model, pattern (rare) — In certain contexts, it can refer to something to be copied.
- Philosophical concept (Plato) — Sensible things as inferior representations of eternal Forms.
- Artistic representation — A work of art as an imitation of nature or reality.
- Behavioral imitation — The copying of actions or manners of others.
Word Family
μιμ- (root of the verb μιμέομαι, meaning "to resemble, to copy")
The root μιμ- forms the core of a family of words revolving around the concept of resemblance, representation, and copying. Originating from the oldest stratum of the Greek language, this root expresses the idea of "becoming like" or "creating something that resembles." From this basic meaning, concepts related to art, philosophy, and everyday behavior develop, describing both the act and the result of imitation. Each member of the family illuminates a different aspect of this fundamental human tendency.
Philosophical Journey
The concept of imitation and ἀπομίμημα has a long and complex history in Greek thought, from early references in art to its culmination in Platonic philosophy.
In Ancient Texts
Plato's use of ἀπομίμημα is the most iconic, defining its philosophical trajectory.
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΑΠΟΜΙΜΗΜΑ is 290, from the sum of its letter values:
290 decomposes into 200 (hundreds) + 90 (tens) + 0 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΑΠΟΜΙΜΗΜΑ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 290 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 2 | 2+9+0 = 11 → 1+1 = 2 — Dyad, the principle of division, reflection, and duality (original-copy). |
| Letter Count | 9 | 9 letters — Ennead, the number of completion and perfection, but here inverted in relation to the imperfection of the copy. |
| Cumulative | 0/90/200 | Units 0 · Tens 90 · Hundreds 200 |
| Odd/Even | Even | Feminine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Right | Divine (≥100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | A-P-O-M-I-M-E-M-A | A Partial Original Manifesting Imperfect Mimicry, Embodying Metaphysical Archetypes. |
| Grammatical Groups | 4V · 0S · 5C | 4 vowels (A, O, I, E), 0 semivowels, 5 consonants. The ratio of vowels to consonants suggests a word with fluidity and flow, capable of being represented. |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Sun ☉ / Gemini ♊ | 290 mod 7 = 3 · 290 mod 12 = 2 |
Isopsephic Words (290)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos 290, but different roots, offering a glimpse into the numerical harmony of the Greek language.
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 42 words with lexarithmos 290. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.
Sources & Bibliography
- Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1940.
- Plato — Republic. Edited by John Burnet, Oxford Classical Texts. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1903.
- Plato — Timaeus. Edited by John Burnet, Oxford Classical Texts. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1903.
- Aristotle — Poetics. Edited by Rudolf Kassel, Oxford Classical Texts. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1965.
- Jaeger, Werner — Paideia: The Ideals of Greek Culture. Volume II: In Search of the Divine Centre. Translated by Gilbert Highet. Oxford University Press, 1943.
- Else, Gerald F. — Aristotle's Poetics: The Argument. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1957.