Hellenian

Part of speech: noun, adjective

Definitions

1. Of or relating to ancient Greece, its people, or its culture ; a native or inhabitant of Greece, or a person of Greek descent
2. Connected with the Greek people or their civilization ; someone born in Greece or descended from the Greek nation
3. Pertaining to the Greeks and their heritage ; a member of the Greek people, especially one from the ancient world

Etymology: Ancient Greeks called themselves "Hellenes," and the adjective "Hellenian" simply means "of the Hellenes," built by adding the English suffix "-an" to the Greek "Hellḗnios." The Greek adjective itself was tied to the name of Hellen, the mythical ancestor of the Greek peoples, so the English word carries that genealogy in its form. The word is a plain formation rather than a coinage with a memorable backstory, and its meaning has stayed close to its origin. It is used as both a noun for a person of Greek descent or culture and as an adjective describing things related to ancient or classical Greece. Its main interest for English speakers is how it sits beside "Hellenic" and "Hellenistic," which come from the same Greek root by different routes.

Synonyms: Hellenic, Greek