Definition of Graecism in English:
Graecism
(also Grecism)
noun ˈɡrʌɪsɪz(ə)mˈɡriːsɪz(ə)m
1A Greek idiom or grammatical feature, especially as imitated in another language.
- 1.1mass noun The Greek spirit, style, or mode of expression, especially as imitated in a work of art.
Derivatives
verb ˈɡriːsʌɪzˈɡriˌsaɪz
[with object]Make Greek in form or character.
he applauded the poet for not Graecizing his English
Example sentencesExamples
- the Graecized lands of the eastern Mediterranean
- Charles Kingsley, while also noting the often ‘bizarre’ roughness, applauded Clough for ‘not Graecizing or Germanizing his English, as most hexameter writers have to do’ but rather ‘Anglicizing the metre’.
Origin
Late 16th century: from French grécisme or medieval Latin Graecismus, from Graecus (see Greek).