✡️ A Greek-influenced Jew 🏛️ Greek religion follower 📚 Greek culture expert

Hellenist

9.9

A Jew in ancient times who spoke Greek and followed Greek customs

noun
/ˈhɛlənɪst/

: helenista

As a Hellenist, he spoke Greek fluently and followed many Greek customs.

Examples

The ancient Hellenist embraced Greek customs.
The Hellenist community in Alexandria played a key role in spreading Greek culture.
Some traditionalists opposed the influence of the Hellenist Jews in Jerusalem.
Many Hellenists contributed to the spread of Greek culture.
During the Hellenistic period, many Hellenists embraced Greek philosophy and ideas.
The Hellenists of the ancient city adopted Greek customs and language to blend in with their surroundings.
As a Hellenist, he often participated in discussions about Greek literature and culture.

Surface Forms

Hellenist singular

Hellenists plural

Morphology

Hellenist = Hellenism (semi-transparent) = hellen + ist

Formed by the combining element 'hellen-' (relating to Greek culture) plus the productive agent suffix '-ist'; the suffix is transparent but the combining form is specialized and may be unfamiliar to learners.

Etymology

Hellenist comes from the Greek Hellas 'Greece' and the ending -ist 'person who'. In ancient times a Hellenist meant a Jew who spoke Greek and took on Greek customs (for example in cities like Alexandria), so the word points to someone who follows Greek ways.