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Glite Dictionary
Katharevusa

Katharevusa

9.9
A formal written form of Greek used in books and official texts that takes words and forms from older Greek
  • noun
  • Archaic
translation icon : katharevusa
  • The debate between Katharevusa and Demotic Greek shaped modern Greek linguistic identity.

Examples

  • Many official documents in Greece were once written in Katharevusa rather than the vernacular.

  • Many scholars study Katharevusa for its classical roots.

  • Few people today use Katharevusa outside of academic or historical contexts.

  • The Katharevusa language is rich in history.

  • Many official documents in Greece were once written in Katharevusa rather than the vernacular.

  • Few people today use Katharevusa outside of academic or historical contexts.

  • The debate between Katharevusa and Demotic Greek shaped modern Greek linguistic identity.

How Formal

Katharevusa
  • Archaic
9.9
Modern Greek
1 4.5
vernacular
  • Formal
6 6.5

Surface Forms

Katharevusa singular
Katharevusae plural

Etymology

Katharevusa comes from the Greek root kathar- meaning 'pure' or 'to clean'. It was a 'purified' form of Modern Greek used for formal writing and documents, so the name shows it was meant to make the language 'pure' and closer to older Greek.