ΠΛΕΟΝΑΣΜΟΣ
Pleonasm, a term deeply embedded in ancient Greek medicine and rhetoric, describes a state of superabundance or excess. In medical contexts, it referred to an overabundance of humors or other bodily substances, a central concept for understanding diseases from Hippocrates to Galen. In rhetoric and grammar, it denotes the use of superfluous words for emphasis or, more commonly, as a stylistic error. Its lexarithmos (746) mathematically underscores the notion of fullness and transgression.
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Pleonasm (πλεονασμός, ὁ) is a noun signifying the state of superabundance, excess, or superfluity. The word derives from the verb πλεονάζω ('to be in excess, to abound') and the adjective πλέον ('more'). Its primary use in classical Greek literature, particularly in medical texts, concerned the excess of bodily fluids or other substances considered causes of illness. For instance, Hippocrates frequently refers to pleonasm as a pathological condition requiring treatment.
Beyond medicine, pleonasm gained significance in rhetoric and grammar. In this context, it describes the redundant use of words or phrases that add no substantive meaning but rather repeat or reinforce what has already been stated. While it can be employed as a stylistic device for emphasis, it is often regarded as an error indicating a lack of clarity or precision in expression.
The concept of pleonasm, whether as a biological imbalance or a linguistic overindulgence, highlights a fundamental principle of ancient Greek thought: the value of measure and balance. Transgression of limits, or excess, was often viewed negatively, leading to dysfunction or imperfection. Thus, the word carries an inherent critical dimension against immoderation.
Etymology
Cognate words include the adjective πλήρης ('full, complete'), the verb πίμπλημι ('to fill, to fulfill'), and the noun πλήρωσις ('filling, fulfillment, completion'). All these words share the same semantic base of fullness, increase, or excess, with pleonasm specifically focusing on the negative or problematic aspect of superabundance.
Main Meanings
- Superabundance, Excess — The general sense of existing in an overly large quantity or number. Used for anything that exceeds the normal or necessary.
- Medical Pleonasm — In medicine, the excess of humors (e.g., blood, bile) or other substances in the body, considered a cause of disease or pathological condition. A central concept in Hippocratic and Galenic medicine.
- Rhetorical Pleonasm — In rhetoric, the use of superfluous words or phrases that repeat or reinforce an already expressed meaning. It can be a stylistic device (e.g., for emphasis) or an error.
- Grammatical Pleonasm — In grammar, the use of more words than necessary for clarity or precision of expression, often considered an error.
- Overabundance, Transgression — The state of exceeding a limit, measure, or proportion, leading to imbalance or dysfunction.
- Abundance, Wealth (rare) — In certain contexts, it can simply denote abundance or wealth, without the negative connotation of excess, although this usage is less common.
Word Family
ple-/pli- (root of πλέον, πίμπλημι, meaning 'more, to fill')
The root ple-/pli- forms the basis of an extensive family of words in Ancient Greek, revolving around the concepts of fullness, abundance, increase, and superiority. From this root derive verbs denoting filling, adjectives describing the state of being full, and nouns referring to completeness or excess. Its semantic evolution allows for the expression of both positive fullness and negative overabundance, as in the case of pleonasm.
Philosophical Journey
The concept of pleonasm permeates ancient Greek thought, from medical science to philosophy and rhetoric, reflecting the value of measure.
In Ancient Texts
Three characteristic passages that highlight the use of pleonasm in ancient Greek literature:
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΠΛΕΟΝΑΣΜΟΣ is 746, from the sum of its letter values:
746 decomposes into 700 (hundreds) + 40 (tens) + 6 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΠΛΕΟΝΑΣΜΟΣ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 746 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 8 | 7+4+6 = 17 → 1+7 = 8 — Octad, the number of balance and justice, but also of excess when disturbed. |
| Letter Count | 10 | 9 letters — Ennead, the number of completion and perfection, which can be disrupted by excess. |
| Cumulative | 6/40/700 | Units 6 · Tens 40 · Hundreds 700 |
| Odd/Even | Even | Feminine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Right | Divine (≥100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | P-L-E-O-N-A-S-M-O-S | Pleonastic Language Expressing Obscure Nonsense, Aiming at Superficial Meaning, Omitting Substance. |
| Grammatical Groups | 4V · 6C | 4 vowels (E, O, A, O) and 6 consonants (P, L, N, S, M, S). |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Mars ♂ / Gemini ♊ | 746 mod 7 = 4 · 746 mod 12 = 2 |
Isopsephic Words (746)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (746) but different roots, offering a glimpse into the numerological coexistence of concepts:
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 89 words with lexarithmos 746. 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.
- Hippocrates — Aphorisms. Translated by W. H. S. Jones. Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, 1923.
- Galen — Method of Medicine. Translated by R. J. Hankinson. Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, 2006.
- Dionysius of Halicarnassus — On Literary Composition. Translated by W. Rhys Roberts. Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, 1939.
- Smyth, H. W. — Greek Grammar. Harvard University Press, 1956.
- Chantraine, P. — Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue grecque. Klincksieck, Paris, 1968-1980.