σάφα

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Ancient Greek

[edit]

Etymology

[edit]

From σᾰ́φ- (sáph-), the root of σαφής (saphḗs, clear), + -ᾰ (-a, adverbial suffix).

Pronunciation

[edit]
 

Adverb

[edit]

σάφα (sápha) (Epic, Attic)

  1. clearly, obviously, assuredly
    • 800 BCE – 600 BCE, Homer, Odyssey 2.31:
      ἠέ τιν’ ἀγγελίην στρατοῦ ἔκλυεν ἐρχομένοιο,
      ἥν χ’ ἥμιν σάφα εἴποι, ὅτε πρότερός γε πύθοιτο;
      ēé tin’ angelíēn stratoû ékluen erkhoménoio,
      hḗn kh’ hḗmin sápha eípoi, hóte próterós ge púthoito?
      or has he heard some news of a coming army, which he would tell us clearly, when he first discovered [it]?
    • 472 BCE, Aeschylus, The Persians 337–338:
      Αγ[γελος]   πλήθους μὲν ἂν σάφ’ ἴσθ’ ἕκατι βάρβαρον
      ναυσὶν κρατῆσαι.
      Ag[gelos]   plḗthous mèn àn sáph’ ísth’ hékati bárbaron
      nausìn kratêsai.
      Messenger: As to numbers, know assuredly that the foreigner would have the upper hand in ships

Usage notes

[edit]

Often used with verbs of knowing, such as οἶδα (oîda).

References

[edit]