δέω + λίαν
Word
Validation
Yes
Word-form
δειλία
Word-lemma
Transliteration (Word)
deilia
English translation (word)
cowardice
Transliteration (Etymon)
deō + lian
English translation (etymon)
bind + excessively
Century
4 BC
Source
Id.
Ref.
Cratylus 415c2-5
Ed.
Burnet, Platonis Opera, Oxford UP, 1903
Translation (En)
Other translation(s)
Modern Greek: Η σημασία της "δειλίας" λοιπόν είναι τα 'ισχυρά δεσμά της ψυχής'· γιατί το λίαν εκφράζει, κατά κάποιον τρόπο, την 'ισχύ'. Επομένως, η "δειλία" θα λέγαμε ότι είναι τα ισχυρότερα ή μεγαλύτερα δεσμά της ψυχής.
Modern etymology
Δειλία is an abstract noun in -ία derived from δειλός "coward", belonging with δέος "fear", δείδω "I fear". Indo-European root *dwei- (Beekes, EDG).
Persistence in Modern Greek
The word "δειλία" is still used in Modern Greek with the same meaning, i.e., 'cowardice'.
Entry By
Le Feuvre
Comment
The point of departure of this etymology is the accusative δειλίαν, analyzed as a univerbation of the phrase δεῖ λίαν "binds excessively". From that is abstracted the nominative δειλία by deletion of the "accusative ending" -n. Starting from inflected forms whenever it is convenient was not unusual in ancient etymological practice. For the relationship between δέος "fear" and δέω "to bind", see δέος / δέω. This etymology is not repeated after Plato, and lexicographers prefer an alternative analysis linking it with δέος "fear", which is correct.