poem etymology

Etymology

The word "poem" comes from the Greek word "poiema," which means "a thing made" or "a creation." It is related to the verb "poiein," which means "to make" or "to create."

Meaning

A poem is a literary work that expresses ideas, emotions, or stories through the use of language. Poems can be written in a variety of styles, from free verse to formal verse, and can use a variety of literary devices, such as metaphor, simile, and rhyme.

Origin

The first poems were likely written in oral form and passed down from generation to generation. The earliest known written poems date back to the ancient Sumerian civilization, which flourished in Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE. These poems were typically religious or epic in nature and were used to celebrate the gods or the deeds of great heroes.

Over time, poetry developed in a variety of cultures around the world. In ancient Greece, poets such as Homer and Sappho wrote poems that explored themes of love, war, and the human condition. In ancient Rome, poets such as Virgil and Ovid wrote poems that celebrated the Roman Empire and its values.

In the Middle Ages, poetry flourished in Europe, with poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer and Dante Alighieri writing works that combined elements of religion, romance, and adventure. During the Renaissance, poetry continued to flourish, with poets such as William Shakespeare and John Milton writing works that explored human nature and the complexities of the human experience.

In the modern era, poetry has continued to evolve, with poets experimenting with new forms and styles. Today, poetry is a vibrant and diverse art form that is enjoyed by people all over the world.

poem relate terms

  • poesy

    Etymology Poesy derives from the Old French word poesie which in turn comes from t

  • poet

    Etymology The word poet originates from the Ancient Greek word ποιητής poiēt

  • poet

    Etymology The word poet originates from the Ancient Greek word ποιητής poiēt

  • scoff

    Etymology Old French escoufler Late Latin exsufflare to blow out breathe upon Lat

  • laureate

    Etymology Derived from the Latin word laureatus meaning crowned with laurel Laur

  • elegy

    Etymology Old French elegie Medieval Latin elegia Late Latin elegia Greek elegeia

  • epic

    Etymology The word epic originates from the Ancient Greek word epos which means wo

  • envoy

    Etymology The word envoy stammt from the Old French word enveier meaning to send

  • pamphlet

    Etymology The word pamphlet comes from the Latin word pamphilus which was the name o

  • Edda

    Etymology Old Norse Edda Meaning Great grandmother or ancestress poetic term

  • prosody

    Etymology and Origin Prosody comes from the Greek word prosōdía meaning accent m

  • rime

    Etymology The word rime has multiple etymological sources Old English hrím or h

  • mantel

    Etymology From Middle French mantel from Old French mantel from Late Latin mantellum