sophrosyne

[ suh-fros-uh-nee ]

noun

1. moderation; discretion; prudence.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sophrosyne¹

< Greek sōphrosýnē, derivative of sṓphrōn prudent

Example Sentences

He was supposed to exhibit sophrosyne, or self-mastery, and overindulging in food, drink or sex was a sign that a man was weak.

From The Daily Beast

The poetic expression of this refining process, this striving towards the classic ideal, towards Sophrosyne, was Iphigenia.

From Project Gutenberg

The virtue on which they insisted was sophrosyne, knowing the limits which nature fixes for human conduct and keeping within them.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• caution
• discretion
• foresight
• frugality
• moderation
• restraint
• thrift
• vigilance
• wisdom

More About Sophrosyne

What does sophrosyne mean?

Sophrosyne is the virtue of being reasonable and moderate and having self-control.

A virtue is a good quality that a person has, like honesty. Sophrosyne is closely associated with Ancient Greek philosophy. It is considered the opposite of hubris, which is excessive pride or arrogance, especially that which clouds judgment.

Example: Though some of his initial ideas were unrealistic, he maintained his sophrosyne that prevented him from pitching anything too wild.

Where does sophrosyne come from?

Sophrosyne is first recorded in English in the late 1800s, but the concept is ancient. Sophrosyne comes from the Greek word sōphrosúnē, which derives from the Greek sṓphrōn, meaning “prudent.” The first part of sophrosyne comes from the root sôs, meaning “sound” (healthy), and the second part comes from the root phrḗn, meaning “mind.”

Someone who displays sophrosyne is “of sound mind,” but the term refers to more than being mentally healthy—it also has to do with the way that a person behaves. The concept of sophrosyne was discussed by the Ancient Greek philosopher Plato and many philosophers after him, including Thomas Aquinas. Throughout the years, many explanations have been given for what qualities it includes. This is because sophrosyne combines a lot of characteristics into a single word. Perhaps its closest synonyms are prudence and temperance, but even those words don’t capture all of what it means to have sophrosyne. Perhaps the best way to define sophrosyne is by what it’s not: hubris, or the quality of being so arrogant that you make bad decisions because of it.

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for sophrosyne?

• prudence
• temperance

What are some words that share a root or word element with sophrosyne? 

• phrenic
• phrenology

What are some words that often get used in discussing sophrosyne?

• hubris
• virtue
• cardinal virtue
• philosophy
• frugality
• restraint
• decorum

How is sophrosyne used in real life?

Sophrosyne is typically used in the discussion of Ancient Greek philosophy and literature, but sometimes people apply it to their everyday life.

When Argos recognizes Odysseus,he shows sophrosyne or "self-control",channeling his emotions through a speech about Argos to avoid discovery pic.twitter.com/E7VRcGMaBD

— Michel Lara (@VeraCausa9) October 3, 2017

Thought at the end of day:

The opposite of Hubris is Sophrosyne (σωφροσύνη).

When one has Sophrosyne, it leads to other qualities of humble importance. Qualities suchas: temperance, moderation, prudence, purity, and self-control.

— Bill Reagan (@BillReagan16) November 25, 2019

Sophrosyne, the Ancient Greek concept – an ideal of excellence of character and soundness of mind is also an integral component to the Saint David’s curriculum. We look forward to continuing the conversation in April @DerrickGay pic.twitter.com/r8cbdG0u2f

— Saint David's School (@SaintDavidsNYC) February 13, 2020

 

 

Try using sophrosyne!

Which of the following choices is a characteristic of sophrosyne?

A. temperance
B. carelessness
C. indulgence
D. vanity