What question did this study set out to answer?

The article aims to explore the meaning and function of certain Greek expressions used to convey thanks during the classical period.

November 1, 1966

Greek Expressions of Thanks

Key Points

The article aims to explore the meaning and function of certain Greek expressions used to convey thanks during the classical period.
Analyzes expressions of thanks in Greek literature from the classical period.
Focuses specifically on expressions used in conversations when accepting or declining offers and gifts.
Identifies verbal combinations commonly associated with conveying gratitude.
Finds that while χάριν often combines with verbs like εἰδέναι and ἔχειν, these forms are rarely used responsively in classical prose and verse.
Acknowledges that some instances of responsive expressions do exist despite general trends seen in Greek literature.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the meaning and function of certain expressions used for conveying thanks in Greek. It does not pretend to be an exhaustive survey of all the expressions which are used in this connexion, but is restricted in scope to the Greek of the classical period and to those expressions which were in common use in conversation to convey thanks when an offer, gift, etc., was being accepted or declined. These expressions it will be convenient to call ‘responsive formulae’. The ordinary expressions for feeling or conveying thanks combine χάριν with a verb such as εἰδέναι or ἔχειν , but as readers of Greek literature will have become aware, if only subconsciously, these combinations are not to be found used responsively in the prose or verse of the classical period. Before this sweeping generalisation provokes outright contradiction, let it be freely admitted that cases of the responsive use do exist.

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Greek Expressions of Thanks

Key Points

Abstract

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