EUPHONY OF CONSONANTS

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77

Assimilation.—A consonant is sometimes assimilated to another consonant in the same word. This assimilation may be either partial, as in ἐ-πέμφ-θην I was sent for ἐ-πεμπ-θην (82), or complete, as in ἐμμένω I abide by for ἐν-μενω (94).

a. A preceding consonant is generally assimilated to a following consonant. Assimilation to a preceding consonant, as in ὄλλῡμι I destroy for ὀλ-νῡ-μι, is rare.

DOUBLING OF CONSONANTS

78

Attic has ττ for σς of Ionic and most other dialects: πρά̄ττω do for πρά̄σσω, θάλαττα sea for θάλασσα, κρείττων stronger for κρείσσων.

a. Tragedy and Thucydides adopt σς as an Ionism. On χαρίεσσα see 114 a.

b. ττ is used for that σς which is regularly formed by κ or χ and ι (112), sometimes by τ, θ, and ι (114). On ττ in ᾿ Αττικός see 83 a.

79

Later Attic has ρρ for ρς of older Attic: θάρρος courage = θάρσος, ἄρρην male = ἄρσην.

a. But ρς does not become ρρ in the dative plural (ῥήτορ-σι orators) and in words containing the suffix -σις for -τις (ἄρ-σις raising).

b. Ionic and most other dialects have ρς. ρς in Attic tragedy and Thucydides is probably an Ionism. Xenophon has ρς and ρρ.

80

An initial ρ is doubled when a simple vowel is placed before it in inflection or composition. Thus, after the syllabic augment (429), ἔ-ρρει was flowing from ῥέω; and in καλί-ρροος fair flowing. After a diphthong ρ is not doubled: εὔ-ροος fair flowing.

a. This ρρ, due to assimilation of σρ (ἔ-ρρει, καλί-ρροος), or ϝρ (ἐρρήθη was spoken), is strictly retained in the interior of a word; but simplified to single ρ when standing at the beginning, i.e. ῥέω is for ρρέω. In composition (εὔ-ροος) single ρ is due to the influence of the simplified initial sound.

b. A different ρρ arises from assimilation of ρς (79), ρε (sounded like py, 44, 117), and νρ (95).

80 D

In Hom. and even in prose ρ may remain single after a vowel: ἔ-ρεξε did from ῥέζω, καλλί-ροος. So ἰσό-ρροπος and ἰσό-ροπος (by analogy to ῥόπος) equally balanced. ἐκ χειρῶν βέλεᾱ ῥέον M 159 represents βέλεα ρρέον. Cp. 146 D.

81

β, γ, δ are not doubled in Attic (cp. 75 D.). In γγ the first γ is nasal (19 a). φ, χ, θ are not doubled in Attic; instead, we have πφ, κχ, τθ as in Σαπφώ Sappho, Βάκχος Bacchus, ᾿ Ατθίς (Atthis) Attic. Cp. 83 a.

81 D

1. Hom. has many cases of doubled liquids and nasals: ἔλλαβε took, ἄλληκτος unceasing, ἄμμορος without lot in, φιλομμειδής fond of smiles, ἀγάννιφος very snowy, ἀργεννός white, ἔννεπε relate. These forms are due to the assimilation of ς and λ, μ, or ν. Thus, ἀγά-ννιφος is from ἀγα-σνιφος, cp. sn in snow.

2. Doubled stops: ὅττι that (σϝοδ-τι), ὁππότε as (σϝοδ-ποτε), ἔδδεισε feared (ἐδϝεισε).

3. σς in μέσσος middle (for μεθιος medius, 114), ὀπίσσω backward, in the datives of σ-stems, as ἔπεσσι (250 D. 2), and in verbs with stems in ς (τρέσσε).

4. One of these doubled consonants may be dropped without lengthening the preceding vowel: ᾿ Οδυσεύς from ᾿ Οδυσσεύς, μέσος, ὀπίσω. So in ᾿ Αχιλεύς from ᾿ Αχιλλεύς. On δδ, ββ, see 75 D. Aeolic has many doubled consonants due to assimilation (37 D. 3).

CONSONANTS WITH CONSONANTS

STOPS BEFORE STOPS
82

A labial or a palatal stop (16) before a dental stop (τ, δ, θ) must be of the same order (16).

a. βτ, φτ become πτ: (τετρῑβ-ται) τέτρῑπται has been rubbed from τρί̄β-ω rub; (γεγραφ-ται) γέγραπται has been written from γράφ-ω write. γτ, χτ become κτ: (λελεγ-ται) λέλεκται) has been said from λέγ-ω say; (βεβρεχ-ται) βέβρεκται has been moistened from βρέχ-ω moisten.

b. πδ, φδ become βδ: (κλεπ-δην) κλέβδην by stealth from κλέπ-τ-ω steal; (γραφδην) γράβδην scraping from γράφ-ω write (originally scratch, scrape). κδ becomes γδ: (πλεκ-δην) πλέγδην entwined from πλέκ-ω plait.

c. πθ, βθ become φθ: (ἐπεμπ-θην) ἐπέμφθην I was sent from πέμπ-ω send; (ἐτρῑβ-θη) ἐτρί̄φθη it was rubbed (τρί̄β-ω rub). κθ, γθ become χθ: (ἐπλεκ-θη) ἐπλέχθη it was plaited (πλέκ-ω plait); (ἐλεγ-θη) ἐλέχθη it was said (λέγ-ω say).

N. 1.—Cp. πτά seven, βδομος seventh, φθήμερος lasting seven days.

N. 2.—But ἐκ out of remains unchanged: ἐκδίδωμι surrender, ἐκθέω run out (104).

83

A dental stop before another dental stop becomes ς.

ἀνυστός practicable for ἀνυτ-τος from ἀνύτω complete, ἴστε you know for ἰδ-τε, οἶσθα thou knowest for οἰδ-θα, πέπεισται has been persuaded for πεπειθ-ται, ἐπείσθην I was persuaded for ἐπειθ-θην.

a. ττ, τθ remain unchanged in ᾿ Αττικός, ᾿ Ατθίς Attic, and in κατθανεῖν die (75 D., 81). So ττ for σς (78).

84

Any stop standing before a stop other than τ, δ, θ, or in other combination than πφ, κχ, τθ (81) is dropped, as in κεκόμι(δ)-κα I have brought. γ before κ, γ, or χ is gamma-nasal (19 a), not a stop.

STOPS BEFORE M
85

Before μ, the labial stops (π, β, φ) become μ; the palatal stops κ, χ become γ; γ before μ remains unchanged.

ὄμμα eye for ὀπ-μα (cp. ὄπωπα), λέλειμμαι I have been left for λελειπ-μαι from λείπ-ω leave, τέτρῑμμαι for τετρῑβ-μαι from τρί̄β-ω rub, γέγραμμαι for γεγραφμαι from γράφ-ω write, πέπλεγμαι for πεπλεκ-μαι from πλέκ-ω plait, τέτευγμαι for τετευχ-μαι from τεύχ-ω build.

a. κ and χ may remain unchanged before μ in a noun-suffix: ἀκ-μή edge, δραχ-μή drachma. κμ remains when brought together by phonetic change (128 a), as in κέ-κμη-κα am wearied (κάμ-νω).

85 a D

So in Hom. ἴκμενος favoring (ἱκά̄νω), ἀκαχμένος sharpened.

b. γγμ and μμμ become γμ and μμ. Thus, ἐλήλεγμαι for ἐληλεγγ-μαι from ἐληλεγχ-μαι (ἐλέγχ-ω convict), πέπεμμαι for πεπεμμ-μαι from πεπεμπ-μαι (πέμπ-ω send).

86

A dental stop (τ, δ, θ) before μ often appears to become ς. Thus, ἤνυσμαι for ἠνυτ-μαι (ἀνύτ-ω complete), πέφρασμαι for πεφραδ-μαι (φράζω declare), πέπεισμαι for πεπειθ-μαι (πείθ-ω persuade).

87

On the other hand, since these stops are actually retained in many words, such as ἐρετμόν oar, πότμος fate, ἀριθμός number, ς must be explained as due to analogy. Thus, ἤνυσμαι, πέφρασμαι, πέπεισμαι have taken on the ending -σμαι by analogy to -σται where ς is in place (πέφρασται for πεφραδ-ται). So ἴσμεν we know (Hom. ἴδμεν) follows ἴστε you know (for ἰδ-τε). ὀσμή odor stands for ὀδ-σμη.

CONSONANTS BEFORE N
88

β regularly and φ usually become μ before ν. Thus, σεμνός revered for σεβ-νος (σέβ-ομαι), στυμνός firm for στυφ-νος (στύ̄φω contract).

89

γίγνομαι become, γιγνώσκω know become γί̄νομαι, γῑνώσκω in Attic after 300 B.C., in New Ionic, late Doric, etc.

90

λν becomes λλ in ὄλλῡμι destroy for ὀλ-νῡμι.

λν is kept in πίλναμαι approach. On sigma before ν see 105.

90 D

Aeolic βόλλα council, attic βουλή and Doric βωλά̄ (with compensatory lengthening), probably for βολνᾱ.

N BEFORE CONSONANTS
91

ν before π, β, φ, ψ becomes μ: ἐμπί̄πτω fall into for ἐν-πῑπτω, ἐμβάλλω throw in for ἐν-βαλλω, ἐμφαίνω exhibit for ἐν-φαινω, ἔμψῡχος alive for ἐν-ψῡχος.

92

ν before κ, γ, χ, ξ becomes γ-nasal (19 a): ἐγκαλέω bring a charge for ἐν-καλεω, ἐγγράφω inscribe for ἐν-γραφω, συγχέω pour together for συν-χεω, συγξύ̄ω grind up for συν-ξῑω.

93

ν before τ, δ, θ remains unchanged. Here ν may represent μ: βρον-τή thunder (βρέμ-ω roar).

94

ν before μ becomes μ: ἔμμετρος moderate for ἐν-μετρος, ἐμμένω abide by for ἐν-μενω.

a. Verbs in -νω may form the perfect middle in -σμαι (489 h); as in πέφασμαι (from φαίνω show) for πεφαν-μαι (cp. πέφαγ-κα, πέφαν-ται).

b. Here ν does not become ς; but the ending -σμαι is borrowed from verbs with stems in a dental (as πέφρασμαι, on which see 87).

95

ν before λ, ρ is assimilated (λλ, ρρ): σύλλογος concourse for συν-λογος, συρρέω flow together for συν-ρεω.

96

ν before ς is dropped and the preceding vowel is lengthened (ε to ει, ο to ου, 37): μέλᾱς black for μελαν-ς, εἷς one for ἑν-ς, τιθείς placing for τιθεν(τ)-ς, τούς for τόν-ς.

a. But in the dative plural ν before -σι appears to be dropped without compensatory lengthening: μέλασι for μελαν-σι, δαίμοσι for δαιμον-σι divinities, φρεσί for φρεν-σι mind. But see 250 N.

CONSONANTS BEFORE Σ
97

With ς a labial stop forms ψ, a palatal stop forms ξ.

λείψω shall leave for λειπ-σω κῆρυξ herald for κηρυκ-ς
τρί̄ψω shall rubτρῑβ-σω ἄξω shall leadἀγ-σω
γράψω shall writeγραφ-σω βήξ coughβηχ-ς

a. The only stop that can stand before ς is π or κ, hence β, φ become π, and γ, χ become κ. Thus, γραφ-σω, ἀγ-σω become γραπ-σω, ἀκ-σω.

98

A dental stop before ς is assimilated (σς) and one ς is dropped.

σώμασι bodies for σωμασσι out of σωματ-σι, ποσί feet for ποσσί out of ποδ-σι, ὄρνῑσι birds for ὀρνῑσσι out of ὀρνῑθ-σι. So πάσχω suffer for πασσχω out of παθ-σκω (cp. παθ-εῖν and 126).

a. δ and θ become τ before ς: ποδ-σι, ὀρνῑθ-σι become ποτ-σι, ὀρνῑτ-σι.

98 D

Hom. often retains σς: ποσσί, δάσσασθαι for δατ-σασθαι (δατέομαι divide).

99

κ is dropped before σκ in διδα(κ)-σκω teach (διδακ-τός taught).

π is dropped before σφ in βλα(π)σ-φημίᾱ evil-speaking.

100

ντ, νδ, νθ before ς form νσς (98), then νς, finally ν is dropped and the preceding vowel is lengthened (37).

πᾶσι all for πανσ-σι out of παντ-σι, τιθεῖσι placing for τιθενσ-σι out of τιθεντ-σι. So γίγᾱς giant for γιγαντ-ς, λύ̄ουσι loosing for λῡοντ-σι, σπείσω shall make libation for σπενδ-σω, πείσομαι shall suffer for πενθ-σομαι (πένθος grief).

101

a. ἐν in, σύν with in composition are treated as follows:

ἐν before ρ, ς, or ζ keeps its ν: ἔν-ρυθμος in rhythm, ἐν-σκευάζω prepare, ἐνζεύγνῡμι yoke in.

σύν before ς and a vowel becomes συσ-: συσ-σῴζω help to save. before ς and a consonant or ζ, becomes συ-: συ-σκευάζω pack up, σύ-ζυγος yoked together.

b. πᾶν, πάλιν before ς either keep ν or assimilate ν to ς: πάν-σοφος all-wise, παν-σέληνος or πασσέληνος the full moon, παλίν-σκιος thick-shaded, παλίσ-συτος rushing back.

102

On ρς see 79 a. λς is retained in ἄλσος precinct. ρς, λς may become ρ, λ with lengthening of the preceding vowel: ἤγειρα I collected, ἤγγειλα I announced for ἠγερ-σα, ἠγγελ-σα.

102 D

Hom. has ὦρσε incited, κέρσε cut, ἐέλσαι to coop up, κέλσαι to put to shore.

Σ BEFORE CONSONANTS
103

Sigma between consonants is dropped: ἤγγελ(σ)θε you have announced, γεγράφ(σ)θαι to have written, ἕκ(σ)μηνος of six months (ἕξ six, μήν month).

a. But in compounds ς is retained when the second part begins with ς: ἔν-σπονδος included in a truce. compounds in δυσ- ill omit ς before a word beginning with ς: δύσχιστος hard to cleave for δυσ-σχιστος (σχίζω).

104

ἐξ out of (= ἐκς) drops ς in composition before another consonant, but usually retains its κ unaltered: ἐκτείνω stretch out, ἐκδίδωμι surrender, ἐκφέρω carry out, ἐκθύ̄ω sacrifice, ἐκσῴζω preserve from danger (not ἐξῴζω), ἐκμανθάνω learn thoroughly. Cp. 82 N. 2, 136.

105

ς before μ or ν usually disappears with compensatory lengthening (37) as in εἰμί for ἐσ-μι. But σμ stays if μ belongs to a suffix and in compounds of δυσ- ill: δυσ-μενής hostile.

a. Assimilation takes place in Πελοπόννησος for Πέλοπος νῆσος island of Pelops, ἕννῡμι clothe for ἑσ-νῡμι (Ionic εἵνῡμι), ἔρρει was flowing for ἐ-σρει, 80 a.

105 D

ς is assimilated in Aeol. and Hom. ἔμμεναι to be for ἐσ-μεναι (εἶναι), ἀργεννός white for άργεσ-νος, ἐρεβεννός dark (ἐρεβεσ-νος, cp. ῎ Ερεβος), ἄμμε we, ὔμμες you (ἀσμε, ὐσμες). Cp. 81 D.

106

σδ becomes ζ in some adverbs denoting motion towards. Thus, ᾿ Αθήναζε for ᾿ Αθήνασ-δε Athens-wards (26, 342 a).

106 D

Aeolic has σδ for medial ζ in ὔσδος branch (ὄζος), μελίσδω make melody (μελίζω).

107

Two sigmas brought together by inflection become ς: βέλεσι for βέλεσ-σι missiles, ἔπεσι for ἔπεσ-σι words (98), τελέσαι for τελέσ-σαι (from τελέω accomplish, stem τελεσ- ).

a. σς when = ττ (78) never becomes ς.

107 D

Homer often retains σς: βέλεσσι, ἔπεσσι, τελέσσαι.

108

Many of the rules for the euphony of consonants were not established in the classical period. Inscriptions show a much freer practice, either marking the etymology, as σύνμαχος for σύμμαχος ally (94), ἐνκαλεῖν for ἐγκαλεῖν to bring a charge (92), or showing the actual pronunciation (phonetic spelling), as τὸγ (= τὸν) κακόν (92), τὴμ (= τὴν) βουλήν (91), τὸλ (= τὸν) λόγον, ἔγδοσις for ἔκδοσις surrendering (104), ἐχφέρω, ἐχθύ̄ω for ἐκφέρω, ἐκθύ̄ω (104).

CONSONANTS WITH VOWELS

CONSONANTS BEFORE I AND E
109

Numerous changes occur before the semivowel [ιγλιδε] (= y, 20) before a vowel. This y is often indicated by the sign [ιγλιδε]. In 110-117 (except in 115) [ιγλιδε] is = y.

110

λ[ιγλιδε] becomes λλ: ἄλλος for ἀλιος Lat. alius, ἅλλομαι for ἁλ[ιγλιδε]ομαι Lat. salio, φύλλον for φυλ[ιγλιδε]ον Lat. folium.

111

After αν, ον, αρ, ορ, [ιγλιδε] is shifted to the preceding syllable, forming αιν, οιν, αιρ, οιρ. This is called Epenthesis (ἐπένθεσις insertion).

φαίνω show for φαν-[ιγλιδε]ω, μέλαινα black for μελαν-[ιγλιδε]α, σπαίρω gasp for σπαρ-[ιγλιδε]ω, μοῖρα fate for μορ-[ιγλιδε]α. (So κλαίω weep for κλαϝ-[ιγλιδε]ω 38 a.) On ι after εν, ερ, ιν, ιρ, υν, υρ, see 37 a.

112

κ[ιγλιδε], χ[ιγλιδε] become ττ (= σς 78): φυλάττω guard for φυλακ-[ιγλιδε]ω (cp. φυλακή guard), ταράττω disturb for ταραχ-[ιγλιδε]ω (cp. ταραχή disorder).

113

(I) τ[ιγλιδε], θ[ιγλιδε] after long vowels, diphthongs, and consonants become ς; after short vowels τ[ιγλιδε], θ[ιγλιδε] become σς (not = ττ 78), which is simplified to ς.

αἶσα fate from αἰτ-[ιγλιδε]α, πᾶσα all from παντ-[ιγλιδε]α, μέσος middle (Hom. μέσσος) from μεθ-[ιγλιδε]ος (cp. Lat. med-ius), τόσος so great (Hom. τόσσος) from τοτ-[ιγλιδε]ος (cp. Lat. toti-dem).

a. In the above cases τ[ιγλιδε] passed into τς. Thus παντ-[ιγλιδε]α, παντσα, πανσσα, πάνσα (Cretan, Thessalian), πᾶσα (37 D. 3).

114

(II) τ[ιγλιδε], θ[ιγλιδε] become ττ (= σς 78): μέλιττα bee from μελιτ-ια (cp. μέλι, -ιτος honey), κορύττω equip from κορυθ-[ιγλιδε]ω (cp. κόρυς, -υθος helmet).

a. χαρίεσσα graceful and other feminine adjectives in -εσσα are poetical, and therefore do not assume the native Attic prose form in ττ. But see 299 c.

b. ττ from τ[ιγλιδε], θ[ιγλιδε] is due to analogy, chiefly of ττ from κ[ιγλιδε].

115

τ before final ι often becomes ς. Thus, τίθησι places for τίθητι; also in πλούσιος rich for πλουτ-ιος (cp. πλοῦτος wealth).

a. ντ before final ι becomes νς, which drops ν: ἔχουσι they have for ἔχοντι (37).

115 D

Ioric often retains τ (τίθητι, ἔχοντι). σέ is not from (Dor.) τέ (cp. Lat. te), no is σοί from τοί.

116

δ[ιγλιδε] between vowels and γ[ιγλιδε] after a vowel form ζ: thus, ἐλπίζω hope for ἐλπιδ-[ιγλιδε]ω, πεζός on foot for πεδ-[ιγλιδε]ος (cp. πεδ-ίο-ν ground), ἁρπάζω seize for ἁρπαγ-[ιγλιδε]ω (cp. ἅρπαξ rapacious). After a consonant γ[ιγλιδε] forms δ: ἔρδω work from ἐργ-[ιγλιδε]ω.

117

π[ιγλιδε] becomes πτ, as in χαλέπτω oppress from χαλεπ-[ιγλιδε]ω. ρ[εγλιδε] becomes ρρ in Βορρᾶς from Βορέᾱς Boreas. Here ε was sounded nearly like y (44, 61 a).

DISAPPEARANCE OF Σ AND Ϝ
118

The spirant ς with a vowel before or after it is often lost. Its former presence is known by earlier Greek forms or from the cognate languages.

119

Initial ς before a vowel becomes the rough breathing.

ἑπτά seven, Lat. septem; ἥμισυς half, Lat. semi-; ἵστημι put for σι-στη-μι, Lat. si-st-o; εἱπόμην I followed from ἐ-σεπ-ο-μην, Lat. sequor.

a. When retained, this ς is due to phonetic change (as σύν for ξύν, σῑγή silence for σ[υγλιδε]ῑγη Grm. schweigen), or to analogy. On the loss of ( see 125 e.

120

Between vowels ς is dropped.

γένους of a race from γενε(σ)-ος, Lat. gener-is, λύ̄ει thou loosest from λύ̄ῃ for λῡε-(σ)αι, ἐλύ̄ου from ἐλῡε-(σ)ο thou didst loose for thyself, τιθεῖο for τιθεῖσο, εἴην from ἐσ-ιη-ν Old Lat. siem, ἀλήθε-ια truth from ἀληθεσ-ια.

a. Yet ς appears in some -μι forms (τίθεσαι, ἵστασο), and in θρασύς ῀ θαρσύς 128. ς between vowels is due to phonetic change (as ς for σς 107, πλούσιος for πλουτιος 115) or to analogy (as ἔλῡσα for ἐλῡα, modelled on ἐδεικ-σ-α), cp. 35 c.

121

ς usually disappears in the aorist of liquid verbs (active and middle) with lengthening of the preceding vowel (37): ἔστειλα I sent for ἐστελ-σα, ἔφηνα I showed for ἐφαν-σα, ἐφήνατο for ἐφαν-σατο. Cp. 102.

122

Digamma (3) has disappeared in Attic.

The following special cases are to be noted:

a. In nouns of the third declension with a stem in αυ, ευ, or ον (43). Thus, ναῦς ship, gen. νεώς from νηϝ-ός, βασιλεύς king, gen. βασιλέως from βασιλῆϝ-ος (34).

b. In the augment and reduplication of verbs beginning with ϝ: εἰργαζόμην I worked from ἐ-ϝεργαζομην, ἔοικα am like from ϝεϝοικα. Cp. 431, 443.

c. In verbs in εω for εϝω: ῥέω I flow, fut. ῥεύ-σομαι.

123

Some words have lost initial σϝ: ἡδύς sweet (Lat. sua(d)vis), οὗ, οἷ, ἕ him, ὅς his (Lat. suus), ἔθος custom, ἦθος character (Lat. con-suetus).

123 D

Hom. εὔαδε pleased stands for ἐϝϝαδε from ἐσϝαδε.

ASPIRATION
124

A smooth stop (π, τ, κ), brought before the rough breathing by elision, crasis, or in forming compounds, is made rough, becoming an aspirate (φ, θ, χ). Cp. 16 a.

ἀφ᾽ οὗ for ἀπ() οὗ, νύχθ᾽ ὅλην for νύκτ(α) ὅλην (82); θἄ̄τερον the other (69), θοἰμάτιον for τὸ ἱ̄μάτιον the cloak (66); μεθί̄ημι let go for μετ(ά) ἵ̄ημι, αὐθά̄δης selfwilled from αὐτός self and ἁδεῖν please.

a. A medial rough breathing, passing over ρ, roughens a preceding smooth stop: φρουρός watchman from προ-ὁρος, φροῦδος gone from πρό and ὁδός, τέθριππον four-horse chariot (τετρ ¨ ἵππος).

124 D

New Ionic generally leaves π, τ, κ before the rough breathing: ἀπ᾽ οὗ, μετίημι, τοὔτερον. But in compounds (9 D.) φ, θ, χ may appear: μέθοδος method (μετά after + ὁδός way).

125

Two rough stops beginning successive syllables of the same word are avoided in Greek. A rough stop is changed into a smooth stop when the following syllable contains a rough stop.

a. In reduplication (441) initial φ, θ, χ are changed to π, τ, κ. Thus, πέφευγα for φε-φευ-γα perfect of φεύγω flee, τί-θη-μι place for θι-θη-μι, κέ-χη-να for χε-χη-να perf. of χάσκω gape.

b. In the first aorist passive imperative -θι becomes -τι after -θη-, as in λύ-θη-τι for λυ-θη-θι; elsewhere -θι is retained (γνῶθι).

c. In the aorist passive, θε- and θυ- are changed to τε- and τυ- in ἐ-τέ-θην was placed (τίθημι) and ἐ-τύ-θην was sacrificed (θύ̄ω).

d. From the same objection to a succession of rough stops are due ἀμπέχω ἀμπίσχω clothe for ἀμφ-, ἐκε-χειρίᾱ truce for ἐχε-χειριᾱ (from ἔχω and χείρ).

e. The rough breathing, as an aspirate (16 a), often disappeared when either of the two following syllables contains φ, θ, or χ. ἔχω have stands for ἔχω ῀ σεχω (119, cp. ἔ-σχον), the rough changing to the smooth breathing before a rough stop. The rough breathing reappears in the future ἕξω. Cp. ἴσχω restrain for ἱσχω from σι-σχ-ω, ἔδεθλον foundation, but ἕδος seat, Lat. sedes.

f. In θρίξ hair, gen. sing. τριχ-ός for θριχος, dat. pl. θριξί; ταχύς swift, comparative ταχί̄ων (rare) or θά̄ττων (θά̄σσων) from θαχῑων (112).

g. In ταφ- (τάφος tomb), pres. θάπ-τ-ω bury, fut. θάψω, perf. τέθαμ-μαι (85); τρέφω nourish, fut. θρέψω, perf. τέ-θραμ-μαι; τρέχω run, fut. θρέξομαι; τρυφ- (τρυφή delicacy), pres. θρύπτω enfeeble, fut. θρύψω; τύ̄φω smoke, perf. τέ-θῡμ-μαι.

N.—The two rough stops remain unchanged in the aorist passive ἐθρέφθην was nourished, ἐθρύφθην was enfeebled, ἐφάνθην was shown forth, ὠρθώθην was set upright, ἐθέλχθην was charmed, ἐκαθάρθην was purified; in the perfect inf. πεφάνθαι, κεκαθάρθαι, τεθάφθαι; in the imperatives γράφηθι be written, στράφηθι turn about, φάθι say.

126

Transfer of Aspiration.—Aspiration may be transferred to a following syllable: πάσχω for παθ-σκω (cp. 98).

126 D

Hdt. has ἐνθαῦτα there (ἐνταῦθα), ἐνθεῦτεν thence (ἐντεῦθεν), κιθών tunic (χιτών).

127

Some roots show variation between a final smooth and a rough stop; δέχομαι receive, δωροδόκος bribe-taker; ἀλείφω anoint, λίπος fat; πλέκω weave, πλοχυός braid of hair; and in the perfect, as ἦχα from ἄγω lead.

127 D

Hom. and Hdt. have αὖτις again (αὖθις), οὐκί not (οὐχί). All the dialects except Attic have δέκομαι.

VARIOUS CONSONANT CHANGES
128

Metathesis (transposition).—A vowel and a consonant often exchange places: Πνύξ the Pnyx, gen. Πυκνός, τίκτω bear for τι-τκ-ω (cp. τεκ-εῖν).

a. Transposition proper does not occur where we have to do with αρ, ρα ῀ ṛ (20, 35 b) as in θάρσος and θράσος courage; or with syncope (44 b) due to early shifting of accent, as in πέτ-ομαι fly, πτε-ρόν wing; or where a long vowel follows the syncopated root, as in τέμ-νω τέ-τμη-κα I have cut.

In βέβληκα I have thrown (βάλλω throw), βλη is formed from βελε found in βέλε-μνον missile.

128 D

Hom. κραδίη, καρδίη heart, κάρτιστος best (κράτιστος), βάρδιστος slowest (βραδύς), δρατός and -δαρτος from δέρω flay, ἔ-δρακον saw from δέρκομαι see.

129

Dissimilation.—a. λ sometimes becomes ρ when λ appears in the same word: ἀργαλέος painful for ἀλγαλεος (ἄλγος pain).

b. A consonant (usually ρ) sometimes disappears when it occurs also in the adjoining syllable: δρύφακτος railing for δρυ-φρακτος (lit. fenced by wood).

c. Syllabic dissimilation or syncope occurs when the same or two similar syllables containing the same consonant succeed each other: ἀμφορεύς a jar for ἀμφι-φορευς, θάρσυνος bold for θαρσο-συνος. This is often called haplology.

d. See also under 99, 125 a, b.

130

Development.—δ is developed between ν and ρ, as in ἀνδρός of a man for ἀνρος from ἀνήρ (cp. cinder with Lat. cineris); β is developed between μ and ρ (or λ), as in μεσημβρίᾱ midday, south from μεσ-ημριᾱ for μεσ-ημεριᾱ from μέσος middle and ἡμέρᾱ day (cp. chamber with Lat. camera).

130 D

So in Hom. μέ-μβλω-κα have gone from μλω from μολ- in ἔ-μολ-ο-ν (128 a). At the beginning of words this μ is dropped; thus, βλώσκω go, βροτός mortal for μβρο-τος (root μρο-, μορ-, as in mor-tuus). In composition μ remains, as in ἄ-μβροτος immortal; but ἄ-βροτος immortal is formed from βροτός.

131

Labials and dentals often correspond: ποινή and τίσις retribution; φόνος murder, θείνω strike. π and κ: αἰπόλος goat-herd, βουκόλος ox-herd. πτ for τ is found in πτόλεμος war, πτόλις city for πόλεμος, πόλις. Cp. Neoptolemus and Ptolemy. So χθ and χ in χθών ground, χαμαί on the ground.

132

The dialects often show consonants different from Attic in the same or kindred words.

132 D

τ for ς: Doric τύ, τοί, τέ, διᾱκατίοι (διᾱκόσιοι), ϝί̄κατι (εἴκοσι), Ποτειδά̄ν (Ποσειδών).

ςτ: Doric σά̄μερον to-day (τήμερον Attic, σήμερον Ionic).

κπ: Ionic (not Hom.) κότε when, κότερος which of two? ὅκως, κόσος, κῆ.

κτ: Doric πόκα (πότε), ὅκα (ὅτε).

γβ: Doric γλέφαρον eyelid, γλά̄χων (Ion. γλήχων) pennyroyal.

δβ: Doric ὀδελός (ὀβολός) a spit.

πτ: Hom. πίσυρες, Aeol. πέσσυρες four (τέτταρες); Aeol. πήλυι far off (cp. τηλόσε), πέμπε five (πέντε).

θτ: see 126 D.

φθ: Hom. φήρ centaur (θήρ beast).

ρς: (rhotacism): late Laconian, Elean τίρ who, Thessal. Θεόρδοτος god-given.

ςθ: late Laconian σιός for θεός god (26 D.).

νλ: Doric ἐνθεῖν come.

GREEK GRAM.—3


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