ΩΝΟΜΑΣΙΑ
The term onomasía (ὠνομασία), a pivotal concept in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in Plato's dialogue "Cratylus," where it explores the nature and correctness of names. It represents both the act of naming and the name itself as a carrier of meaning. Its lexarithmos (1172) suggests a complex structure linked to the pursuit of truth through language.
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According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, ὠνομασία (a feminine noun) primarily signifies "the act of naming, nomenclature" or "the name, appellation" itself. The word derives from the verb ὀνομάζω ("to name, to call by name") and the noun ὄνομα ("name"). In classical Greek, its meaning extends beyond the simple act of assigning a verbal symbol, delving into profound philosophical dimensions.
Crucially, onomasia was a subject of intense philosophical inquiry, most notably by Plato in his dialogue "Cratylus." Here, the fundamental question revolves around whether names are "by nature" (φύσει), implying an inherent, natural connection to the object they name, or "by convention" (θέσει), suggesting they are products of human agreement and institution. In this context, onomasia becomes the arena for investigating the intricate relationship between language, thought, and reality itself.
The term is also employed to denote the naming of a thing, its terminology, or its nomenclature within a scientific or technical field. In rhetoric, it can refer to the selection of appropriate words for the precise description or characterization of an object or idea. Its deeper significance lies in acknowledging the power of language to shape our perception and understanding of the world and to reveal or conceal the essence of things.
Etymology
From the root ὀνομ-, numerous words are formed in the Greek language. ὄνομα is the fundamental noun, while ὀνομάζω is the corresponding verb denoting the action. Other related words include adjectives such as ὀνομαστός ("famous, renowned"), ἀνώνυμος ("nameless, anonymous"), συνώνυμος ("synonymous, having the same name"), and ἐπώνυμος ("eponymous, giving or taking a name"). Compound words like ὀνοματοποιία ("onomatopoeia, word-making") also enrich the vocabulary, demonstrating the root's productivity.
Main Meanings
- The act of naming, appellation — The action of assigning a name to a person, thing, or concept.
- The name itself, designation — The verbal symbol or term used to refer to something.
- Terminology, nomenclature — The system of names or terms used within a specific field of knowledge or science.
- Philosophical inquiry into the nature of names — The examination of the relationship between a name and its referent, as explored in Plato's dialogue "Cratylus."
- Choice of words, rhetorical naming — The art of selecting suitable words for the precise description or characterization of an object or idea.
- Definition, identification — The act of defining or identifying an object or concept through its name.
Word Family
onom- (root of ὄνομα, meaning "name, sign")
The root ὀνομ- forms the basis of an extensive family of words in Ancient Greek, all revolving around the concept of "name" and "naming." From this root derive both the noun ὄνομα and the verb ὀνομάζω, which express identity and the act of recognition through language. The root's significance extends to describing, characterizing, and classifying things, making it central to the philosophical investigation of language and reality, as well as to everyday communication.
Philosophical Journey
The concept of onomasia has a rich history in ancient Greek thought, evolving from the simple act of naming into a central philosophical problem.
In Ancient Texts
Three of the most significant passages highlighting the philosophical importance of onomasia:
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΩΝΟΜΑΣΙΑ is 1172, from the sum of its letter values:
1172 decomposes into 1100 (hundreds) + 70 (tens) + 2 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΩΝΟΜΑΣΙΑ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 1172 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 2 | 1+1+7+2 = 11 → 1+1 = 2. Dyad: Representing the dual relationship between a name and its object, the distinction between "by nature" and "by convention" in naming, and the necessary connection of two elements to create meaning. |
| Letter Count | 8 | 8 letters. Octad: Symbolizing balance and completeness, akin to the endeavor to fully express the essence of a thing through its name, as well as the harmony sought in philosophical understanding. |
| Cumulative | 2/70/1100 | Units 2 · Tens 70 · Hundreds 1100 |
| Odd/Even | Even | Feminine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Right | Divine (≥100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | Ω-Ν-Ο-Μ-Α-Σ-Ι-Α | Ως Νόημα Ουσίας Μέσω Αληθούς Σημασίας Ισχύει Αεί (As Meaning of Essence Through True Significance Endures Eternally). |
| Grammatical Groups | 5V · 3S · 0P | 5 vowels (Ω, Ο, Α, Ι, Α), 3 sonorants/fricatives (Ν, Μ, Σ), 0 stops. |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Sun ☉ / Sagittarius ♐ | 1172 mod 7 = 3 · 1172 mod 12 = 8 |
Isopsephic Words (1172)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (1172) as ὠνομασία, but from different roots, offering interesting conceptual connections:
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 63 words with lexarithmos 1172. 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, with a revised supplement. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1996.
- Plato — Cratylus. Translated with an Introduction and Notes by C. D. C. Reeve. Hackett Publishing Company, Indianapolis, 1998.
- Aristotle — De Interpretatione. Edited and translated by J. L. Ackrill. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1963.
- Palmer, L. R. — The Greek Language. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, 1980.
- Chantraine, P. — Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue grecque: histoire des mots. Klincksieck, Paris, 1968-1980.
- Guthrie, W. K. C. — A History of Greek Philosophy, Vol. IV: Plato, The Man and His Dialogues, Earlier Period. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1975.
- Kirk, G. S., Raven, J. E., Schofield, M. — The Presocratic Philosophers: A Critical History with a Selection of Texts. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1983.