Agency Dictionary
Sophrosyne
noun
In Portuguese: Sofrosina
Philosophy & EthicsWhat does “Sophrosyne” mean?
An ancient Greek philosophical ideal of excellence of character and soundness of mind. It embodies temperance, moderation, self-control, and a balanced harmony in thoughts and actions.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek sophrosyne (soundness of mind, prudence, temperance), a compound of sophron (sound of mind, prudent, moderate) and the abstract noun suffix -syne. Sophron itself combines sos (safe, sound, whole) and phren (mind, heart, diaphragm). The concept was central to ancient Greek ethics as one of the four cardinal virtues.
Usage note
Sophrosyne is primarily encountered in classical philosophy and theology. It has no direct English equivalent and is usually explained rather than used.
Synonyms
- temperance
- moderation
- self-control
- prudence
Often confused with
- temperance
- Temperance focuses on restraint from excess, especially alcohol; sophrosyne is broader, encompassing balanced judgment in all aspects of conduct.
Usage examples
He replied in a tone of calmness and sophrosyne.
Design.3 - The Disciplines of Design He replied in a tone of calmness and sophrosyne.
Concepts
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Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
Words of the same theme
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- Discursiveadjective
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- A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, artistic taste, and style.
- Affectnoun
- An expressed or experienced emotion, feeling, or visceral response to a stimulus in psychology and philosophy.
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- A selfless, unconditional, and altruistic form of love often associated in theology with divine charity.
- Ambiguitynoun
- The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness or uncertainty of meaning.
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