Prometheus
/prəˈmiːθi.əs/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
pro- + mēthes- — forethought
Overview
Meaning Now
- A Titan in Greek mythology known for his intelligence and for stealing fire from the gods to give to humanity.
- A figure representing human striving, technological advancement, and the defiance of authority.
Literal older meaning
forethinker
Language path
Proto-Indo-European → Ancient Greek → English
Earliest form
Προμηθεύς
Earliest period
8th century BCE
Journey
In Greek mythology, Prometheus was punished by Zeus for stealing fire, being chained to a rock where an eagle would eat his liver daily. He is a primary archetype for the suffering genius and the bringer of enlightenment.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*pro-meh₁-ti-
“forethought”
Reconstructed root.
- Ancient Greek
Προμηθεύς
“Forethinker”
Attested in the writings of Hesiod.
- Late Latin
Prometheus
“The mythological Titan.”
Transliteration into the Latin alphabet.
- Modern English
Prometheus
“The Titan of Greek mythology.”
Adopted through classical literary tradition.
Connections
Word parts
pro-
prefix
forward, before
mēthes
root
thought, counsel
Related across languages
Sanskrit
pramati
forethought or wise counsel
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Related to Prometheus
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.