ἐπί

Ancient Greek

Etymology

From Proto-Indo-European *h₁epi. Cognates include Sanskrit अपि (ápi), Avestan 𐬀𐬌𐬞𐬌 (aipi), Old Persian apiy, and Old Armenian եւ (ew).

Pronunciation

• (5th BC Attic): IPA: /epí/

• (1st BC Egyptian): IPA: /ɛpí/

• (4th AD Koine): IPA: /epí/

• (10th AD Byzantine): IPA: /epí/

• (15th AD Constantinopolitan): IPA: /epí/

Preposition

ἐπί

1. upon, on, over, above

Descendants

• επί
• επι-

Usage notes

The object of ἐπί may take either genitive, accusative, or dative. There are nuances to each case, and ἐπί is a versatile word which may convey an array of meanings. However, the primary meaning of "upon" is meant in a majority of situations.