ΝΕΩΤΕΡΙΚΟΝ

Definition

According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, τὸ νεωτερικόν (as a substantivized adjective) means "the new, the unprecedented, the innovative." It derives from the adjective νεωτερικός, -ή, -όν, which is a derivative of νεώτερος (the comparative degree of νέος). The word carries the sense of innovation, change, and often, a break with tradition.

In classical Greek literature, the concept of "the modern" or "modernity" did not hold the same philosophical or artistic weight as it does in contemporary understanding. However, the word and its derivatives were used to describe things, ideas, or practices that were new, unusual, or deviated from established norms. Often, "newness" was associated with change, subversion, and sometimes with unrest or revolution, especially in a political context (e.g., «νεωτερίζειν» meant "to make a revolution").

The meaning of νεωτερικόν evolved from a simple temporal dimension of "recent" to a more complex qualitative dimension concerning originality, innovation, and progress. In aesthetics and art, τὸ νεωτερικόν began to acquire particular significance, denoting works or ideas that challenged traditional forms and opened new avenues of expression. The pursuit of the new became a driving force for artistic creation, especially from the Hellenistic period onwards, where originality began to be more highly valued.

Main Meanings

1. The new, the recent — The basic temporal meaning: that which is new in relation to the old, that which has recently appeared. E.g., «νεωτερικὸν ἔργον» (a recent work).
2. The unprecedented, the unusual — That which has not happened before or has not been perceived before. Often with the sense of 'strange' or 'unexpected.'
3. The innovative, the pioneering — That which introduces new ideas, methods, or forms, especially in art, philosophy, or politics. Associated with the concept of progress.
4. The modern, the contemporary — In later uses, it describes that which belongs to the contemporary era, in contrast to the ancient or traditional.
5. The revolutionary, the subversive — In a political context, that which brings about radical changes or upheavals in the existing order of things. The verb «νεωτερίζω» often meant 'to make a revolution.'
6. The youthful, the inexperienced — Often, «τὸ νεωτερικόν» can imply a lack of experience or the impulsiveness associated with youth.

Word Family

neo- (root of νέος, meaning "new, young")

The root neo- is one of the most productive roots in the Ancient Greek language, expressing the concept of "new" or "young" in various dimensions. From the simple temporal reference to age or recent appearance, to the qualitative dimension of innovation and renewal. This root has given rise to a plethora of words describing both natural states (e.g., νεογνός) and abstract concepts (e.g., νεωτερισμός), highlighting the continuous human need to define and comprehend change and evolution.

In Ancient Texts

The concept of the new, though not always expressed with the exact word, is evident in ancient texts that comment on change and innovation.

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΝΕΩΤΕΡΙΚΟΝ:

Sources & Bibliography

• Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, with a revised supplement. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1996.
• Thucydides — Historiae. Ed. H. Stuart Jones and J. Enoch Powell. Oxford University Press, 1942.
• Plato — Republic. Ed. John Burnet. Oxford University Press, 1903.
• Euripides — Hippolytus. Ed. W. S. Barrett. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1964.
• Menander — Sententiae. Ed. S. Jaekel. Teubner, 1964.
• Septuagint — Ecclesiastes. Ed. Alfred Rahlfs. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2006.
• Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. University of Chicago Press, 2000.