Kyrios

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A title of respect or authority in ancient Greek culture, commonly used for masters or lords
2. An honorific term signifying ownership or leadership, often attributed to divine figures in religious contexts
3. A designation for individuals of high status or power, reflecting both reverence and hierarchy in social interactions

Etymology: Ancient Greek "kúrios" meant "having authority" or "lord," and its roots lie in "kûros," meaning authority or power, a word that also gave rise to the idea of a person who holds sway over others. In English the word has come to us as "kyrios," a term used for the title of lordship, which keeps the original Greek spelling and sense intact. The Greek sense of control and legal standing is what carried the word forward. In Greek society a "kúrios" was the person with legal authority over a household, a woman, or a estate, so the term grew from describing ownership and command into a formal title. That concrete social meaning, the head of a household who speaks with authority, is still visible in the title's core sense.

Synonyms: lord, master

Antonyms: servant, slave