Encyclopedia of Ancient Greek Language and Linguistics

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Kinship Terms
(1,513 words)

Abstract

Kinship terms in Ancient Greek describe immediate and extended familial relationships, as well as social relationships (phratries). Terms relating to immediate family or close relationships by marriage are derived from Indo-European and were originally used to describe Archaic familial relationships. The meanings of these terms evolved over the Classical period.

Kinship terms in Ancient Greek encompass a wide array of familial and clan relationships. Terms applicable to the immediate family (mḗtēr, patḗr, etc.), or those d…

Cite this page
Valerie Hannon Smitherman, “Kinship Terms”, in: Encyclopedia of Ancient Greek Language and Linguistics, General Editor: Georgios K. Giannakis. Consulted online on 28 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2214-448X_eagll_COM_00000196>
First published online: 2013



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