Ancient Greek edit

Etymology edit

From σοφίζω (sophízō, to become wise) +‎ -τής (-tḗs), from σοφός (sophós, wise).

Pronunciation edit

 

Noun edit

σοφῐστής (sophistḗsm (genitive σοφῐστοῦ); first declension (Attic, Ionic, Koine)

  1. A master of one's craft
  2. One who is wise, prudent, a philosopher
  3. teacher, tutor
  4. (slang, derogatory) One who makes a profit off of false wisdom: cheat, swindler

Usage notes edit

The reputation of the teachers at Athens came into decline in the fifth century BC, and thus came the connotation of cheat. This varies with time in relation to the general approval or disapproval of the paid teachers.

Inflection edit

Derived terms edit

Related terms edit

and see at σοφός (sophós, wise)

Descendants edit

Further reading edit