ΜΕΤΑΦΟΡΑ
Metaphora, a term initially describing the simple physical transfer of objects or persons, evolved in classical Greek thought into a pivotal concept in rhetoric and philosophy. As a 'transfer of meaning,' it became the essential tool for comprehending and expressing abstract notions, bridging the visible with the invisible. Its lexarithmos (1017) suggests a complex, multi-layered significance, linking physical movement with intellectual transposition.
REPORT ERRORDefinition
According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, «μεταφορά» (metaphora, ἡ) primarily signifies 'a carrying or conveying from one place to another, transfer, transposition.' This initial meaning refers to any form of physical movement, whether of goods, troops, or individuals. It is found in texts describing commercial transport, military strategy, or even a simple change of position.
However, the word acquired its deeper and more influential meaning in the realms of rhetoric and philosophy. Aristotle, in his «Rhetoric», defines it as a 'transfer of a name' (μεταφορά ὀνόματος), i.e., the application of a name or expression to something it does not literally describe, but to which it bears some analogy or resemblance. It is the transference of qualities or characteristics from one object to another, thereby creating a new semantic connection.
In philosophy, metaphor is not merely a figure of speech but a fundamental tool for thought. It enables the exploration of abstract concepts through concrete imagery, making the incomprehensible more accessible. The capacity of language to 'transfer' concepts from one domain to another is foundational for generating new knowledge and communicating complex ideas, rendering the word central to understanding how we think and express ourselves.
Etymology
The root *bher- (φέρω) is an ancient Indo-European root, with cognates in many languages (e.g., Latin ferre, English bear). The Greek language has utilized this root to generate a rich family of words describing all kinds of movement, change, transmission, or even endurance, such as «φορά», «φόρος», «φορεύς», «μεταβολή», «διαφορά», and others.
Main Meanings
- Physical transfer, transport — The original and literal meaning: the movement of objects, goods, or persons from one place to another. E.g., the transport of merchandise or troops.
- Transposition, change of position — The alteration of the position or state of a thing or person. Often used in military or organizational contexts.
- Rhetorical metaphor, figure of speech — The use of a word or phrase to describe something else, based on similarity or analogy, creating an image or a new concept. Aristotle defines it as a 'transfer of a name'.
- Transfer, assignment — The legal or administrative act of transferring rights, property, or responsibilities from one person to another.
- Change, alteration — A more general concept of change or transformation, often on a philosophical or conceptual level, where an idea is 'transferred' into a new form.
- Translation (rare usage) — In certain contexts, it may imply the transfer of meaning from one language to another, although the term «μετάφρασις» is more common.
Word Family
pher- / phor- (root of φέρω, meaning 'to carry, bear')
The root pher- / phor- is one of the most productive and ancient roots in the Greek language, stemming from the Indo-European root *bher-, meaning 'to carry, bear, bring.' Its semantic range is vast, covering all kinds of movement, transference, change, production, or even endurance. With the addition of prefixes, such as 'meta-', this root creates words describing complex actions and abstract concepts, such as the transfer of meaning or a change of state. Each member of this family illuminates a different aspect of the fundamental concept of 'carrying' or 'bearing' something.
Philosophical Journey
«Metaphora» as a concept and a word has a rich history, reflecting the evolution of Greek thought from the concrete to the abstract.
In Ancient Texts
Three significant passages highlighting the central role of metaphor in thought and language:
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΜΕΤΑΦΟΡΑ is 1017, from the sum of its letter values:
1017 decomposes into 1000 (hundreds) + 10 (tens) + 7 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΜΕΤΑΦΟΡΑ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 1017 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 9 | 1+0+1+7 = 9 — The Ennead, the number of completion and spiritual fulfillment, suggesting metaphor's capacity to complete and enrich meaning. |
| Letter Count | 8 | 8 letters — The Octad, the number of balance and harmony, reflecting the equilibrium between the literal and metaphorical, and the harmony metaphor creates in language. |
| Cumulative | 7/10/1000 | Units 7 · Tens 10 · Hundreds 1000 |
| Odd/Even | Odd | Masculine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Right | Divine (≥100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | Μ-Ε-Τ-Α-Φ-Ο-Ρ-Α | Maximum Expression Transmits Absolute Forms Of Radiant Awareness (interpretive) |
| Grammatical Groups | 4V · 0H · 4C | 4 vowels (E, A, O, A) and 4 consonants (M, T, Ph, R). The balance of vowels and consonants underscores the word's fluidity and structure. |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Venus ♀ / Capricorn ♑ | 1017 mod 7 = 2 · 1017 mod 12 = 9 |
Isopsephic Words (1017)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (1017) but different roots, highlighting the unexpected connections within the Greek language:
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 61 words with lexarithmos 1017. 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, 9th ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1940.
- Aristotle — Rhetoric, ed. W. D. Ross, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1959.
- Aristotle — Poetics, ed. R. Kassel, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1965.
- Demetrius — On Style, ed. W. Rhys Roberts, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1901.
- Plato — Republic, ed. J. Burnet, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1902.
- Palmer, L. R. — The Greek Language, London: Faber and Faber, 1980.