Saint Ignatius High School

Etymology Word of the Week

Director of Admissions Pat O'Rourke '90, a self-proclaimed "word nerd," brings you his Etymology Word of the Week. Every other week he presents an online Etymology lesson just for fun!

Etymology Word of the Week – As some of you know, in addition to working in the Admissions Office, I also teach Latin at Saint Ignatius and am something of a "word nerd."  Thus, each week, I’ll sneak a vocabulary word (sometimes derived from Latin, sometimes not) into the e-blast. Here, then, is this week’s edition of the Etymology Word of the Week.  

Synoptic - “taking a common view; used chiefly in reference to the first three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), from their similarity in content, order, and statement.”  From the Greek word synopsis meaning “a seeing together, a seeing all at once,” with roots syn- meaning “together, same” and opsis meaning “vision, sight, appearance.”  (All information is from www.wikipedia.org, www.etymonline.com and/or www.dictionary.com).

RELATED WORDS/PHRASES – synopsis, synergy, synagogue, synonym, synapse, synchronous, syntax, synecdoche, syncopated, optics, autopsy, Cyclops, myopia, optometry, optician

SAMPLE SENTENCE - “It can be very comforting to review the Synoptic Gospels during this Holy Week.  We hope that you all have a safe and happy Easter!”

FINISH THE PHRASE:  Actions speak…















 

 

            …louder than words.