Peitho
/ˈpaɪθoʊ/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
πείθω (peithō) — I persuade, convince
Overview
Meaning Now
- In Greek mythology, the personification of persuasion, seduction, and charming speech, often associated with Aphrodite.
- A word signifying persuasion or trust in Ancient Greek contexts.
Literal older meaning
persuasion, winning over
Language path
Proto-Indo-European → Ancient Greek → English
Earliest form
Πειθώ
Earliest period
8th century BCE
Journey
In Greek mythology, Peitho was the constant companion of Aphrodite. She represented the power of persuasion in love and politics, bridging the gap between physical attraction and intellectual consent.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*bʰeydʰ-
“to trust, to bind”
- Ancient Greek
πείθω (peithō)
“persuade, convince”
Verb form
- Ancient Greek
Πειθώ (Peithō)
“Goddess of persuasion”
Proper noun derivation
- English
Peitho
“mythological figure”
Direct borrowing from Greek
Connections
Word parts
peith-
root
persuade/trust
-o
suffix
nominalizing suffix
Related across languages
Latin
fides
faith, trust, belief
Old Germanic
bidjan
to pray or ask
Explore next
Related to Peitho
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.