rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: legein
Greek

legein

gather, choose, or say

Forms

  • legein
  • leg- — The base without the Greek verb ending.
  • log- — A changed form used in related nouns.

Origin

From an old Indo-European root associated with gathering or choosing.

Note

Selecting and arranging things supplied a route toward recounting and speaking.

4 / 6
Two adult discussants examine opposing options for a small bridge model: one points to an arch, other points to a beam.
noun / adjective

dialectic

dye-uh-LEK-tik/ˌdaɪəˈlektɪk/

The interaction of opposing ideas or forces to develop understanding or bring about change.

Etymology
diaGreekthrough, across; apart
+lectGreekgather, choose, or say
+icGreekconnected with or characteristic of

Speaking with one another developed into the art of philosophical discussion. Dialectic applies that exchange to testing opinions through reasoned argument and refutation, rather than merely conversing.

Full entry

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