Stoic Glossary
This comprehensive glossary compiles key terms from Stoic philosophy, drawn from ancient sources and modern interpretations. Terms are listed in alphabetical order, with each entry including the term (often with its Greek or Latin origin where relevant), a concise definition, and an example of its use in a sentence.
Adiaphora (ἀδιάφορα)
Definition: Indifferent things; neither inherently good nor bad in a moral sense, such as wealth, health, or external circumstances.
Use in a sentence: The Stoic sage views wealth as adiaphora, pursuing it only if it aligns with virtue without becoming attached to it.
Agathos (ἀγαθός)
Definition: The good; the proper object of desire, which Stoics identify solely with virtue.
Use in a sentence: In Stoicism, true agathos lies in cultivating wisdom, not in accumulating material possessions.
Aidos (αἰδώς)
Definition: A sense of shame or reverence that guides moral behavior and respect for others.
Use in a sentence: Aidos prevents the Stoic from acting dishonorably, even when no one is watching.
Akrasia (ἀκρασία) (also spelled Acrasia)
Definition: Weakness of will; knowing what is right but failing to act on it due to conflicting desires.
Use in a sentence: Stoics aim to overcome akrasia by aligning their actions strictly with reason and virtue.
Amor Fati
Definition: Love of fate; embracing everything that happens as necessary and good for the whole.
Use in a sentence: Practicing amor fati, the Stoic accepts misfortune with gratitude, seeing it as part of the universe's design.
Andreia (ἀνδρεία)
Definition: Courage; one of the four cardinal virtues, involving steadfastness in the face of fear.
Use in a sentence: Andreia enables the Stoic to stand firm in their principles during times of adversity.
Anthrôpos (ἄνθρωπος)
Definition: Human being; emphasizing the rational and ethical ideal of humanity.
Use in a sentence: As an anthrôpos, one's highest duty is to live in accordance with reason and community.
Apatheia (ἀπάθεια)
Definition: Freedom from passions; a state of equanimity where one is undisturbed by irrational emotions.
Use in a sentence: Achieving apatheia allows the Stoic to respond calmly to life's challenges.
Apekloge (ἀπεκλογή)
Definition: Rejection; the rational refusal of dispreferred indifferents.
Use in a sentence: Through apekloge, the Stoic turns away from unnecessary luxuries that distract from virtue.
Aphormê (ἀφορμή)
Definition: Impulse not to act; aversion resulting from rational judgment.
Use in a sentence: Aphormê guides the Stoic to avoid actions that conflict with their moral choices.
Apoproêgmena (ἀποπροηγμένα)
Definition: Dispreferred indifferents; naturally undesirable things like illness, but morally neutral.
Use in a sentence: Poverty is apoproêgmena, yet the Stoic remains content regardless of circumstances.
Apotynchanô (ἀποτυγχάνω)
Definition: To fail or miss one's purpose; erring in achieving a goal.
Use in a sentence: The prokoptôn learns from apotynchanô to refine their pursuit of virtue.
Aretê (ἀρετή)
Definition: Virtue or excellence; the highest good encompassing wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance.
Use in a sentence: Cultivating aretê is the path to eudaimonia in Stoic life.
Askêsis (ἄσκησις)
Definition: Disciplined training or practice to achieve virtue.
Use in a sentence: Daily askêsis, like journaling reflections, strengthens the Stoic's resolve.
Ataraxia (ἀταραξία)
Definition: Tranquility; a state of unperturbed peace from external disturbances.
Use in a sentence: Ataraxia follows when one focuses only on what is within their control.
Autarkeia (αὐτάρκεια)
Definition: Self-sufficiency; independence from external things for happiness.
Use in a sentence: Autarkeia empowers the Stoic to find contentment within themselves.
Axia (ἀξία)
Definition: Value or worth; the relative measure of indifferents aligned with nature.
Use in a sentence: Health has axia as a preferred indifferent, but it is not essential to virtue.
Boulêsis (βούλησις)
Definition: Rational wish; a virtuous inclination toward the good.
Use in a sentence: Boulêsis directs the Stoic toward just actions in service to others.
Daimôn (δαίμων)
Definition: Inner divine spirit; the rational guiding force within humans.
Use in a sentence: Aligning with one's daimôn leads to a harmonious life.
Diairesis (διαίρεσις)
Definition: Division or analysis; distinguishing what is in our control from what is not.
Use in a sentence: Using diairesis, the Stoic focuses effort only on their own judgments.
Dianoia (διανοία)
Definition: Thought or intelligence; the faculty of the mind.
Use in a sentence: Dianoia enables clear reasoning in ethical decisions.
Dikaiosynê (δικαιοσύνη)
Definition: Justice; one of the cardinal virtues, promoting harmony and duty.
Use in a sentence: Dikaiosynê compels the Stoic to treat all people fairly.
Dogma (δόγμα)
Definition: Principle or belief established by reason and experience.
Use in a sentence: Stoic dogma emphasizes living in accordance with nature.
Dokimazein (δοκιμάζω)
Definition: To test or examine thoroughly.
Use in a sentence: Dokimazein impressions prevents hasty judgments.
Doxa (δόξα)
Definition: Opinion or belief; often superficial compared to true knowledge.
Use in a sentence: The Stoic questions doxa to seek deeper wisdom.
Ekklisis (ἔκκλισις)
Definition: Aversion; rational inclination away from something harmful.
Use in a sentence: Ekklisis helps avoid vices that disrupt inner peace.
Ekloge (ἐκλογή)
Definition: Selection; choosing preferred indifferents rationally.
Use in a sentence: Ekloge involves picking health over indulgence when possible.
Ekpyrôsis (ἐκπύρωσις)
Definition: Cyclical conflagration; the periodic renewal of the universe.
Use in a sentence: Ekpyrôsis reminds us of the impermanence of all things.
Eleutheria (ἐλευθερία)
Definition: Freedom; true liberty through education and virtue.
Use in a sentence: Eleutheria is achieved by mastering one's desires.
Ennoia (ἔννοια)
Definition: Notion or concept; a developed idea.
Use in a sentence: Ennoia of virtue guides daily practice.
Energeia (ἐνέργεια)
Definition: Activity or actuality; realizing potential through action.
Use in a sentence: Energeia transforms knowledge into virtuous living.
Eph' hêmin (ἐφ' ἡμῖν)
Definition: What is up to us; things within our control, like judgments.
Use in a sentence: Focus on eph' hêmin to maintain serenity amid chaos.
Epieikeia (ἐπιείκεια)
Definition: Fairness or leniency rooted in justice.
Use in a sentence: Epieikeia tempers strict rules with compassionate understanding.
Epistêmê (ἐπιστήμη)
Definition: Certain and true knowledge beyond mere comprehension.
Use in a sentence: Epistêmê of Stoic principles leads to wise actions.
Epochê (ἐποχή)
Definition: Suspension of judgment in uncertain situations.
Use in a sentence: Practicing epochê avoids errors from incomplete information.
Ethos (ἔθος)
Definition: Habit or custom; the foundation of character.
Use in a sentence: Good ethos is built through consistent virtuous habits.
Eudaimonia (εὐδαιμονία)
Definition: Flourishing or happiness; the result of living virtuously.
Use in a sentence: Eudaimonia arises from harmony with nature and reason.
Eupatheia (εὐπάθεια)
Definition: Good emotions; rational feelings like joy from virtue.
Use in a sentence: Eupatheia includes the delight in helping others.
Eustatheia (εὐσταθεία)
Definition: Stability of mind; steadfastness.
Use in a sentence: Eustatheia keeps the Stoic unshaken by fortune.
Gymnasia (γυμνασία)
Definition: Exercise or training for the soul.
Use in a sentence: Gymnasia strengthens resilience against hardships.
Hamartanô (ἁμαρτάνω)
Definition: To err or fail one's purpose.
Use in a sentence: Recognizing hamartanô fosters growth toward wisdom.
Hêgemonikon (ἡγεμονικόν)
Definition: Ruling faculty; the rational center of the soul.
Use in a sentence: The hêgemonikon governs assent to impressions.
Heimarmenê (εἱμαρμένη)
Definition: Fate or destiny; the causal chain of the universe.
Use in a sentence: Accepting heimarmenê brings peace with events.
Hexis (ἕξις)
Definition: Habit or disposition; a state of character.
Use in a sentence: Virtuous hexis is cultivated through repetition.
Homologoumenos (ὁμολογουμένως)
Definition: Living consistently; agreement with nature.
Use in a sentence: Homologoumenos ensures actions match principles.
Hormê (ὁρμή)
Definition: Impulse to act; rational appetite toward an object.
Use in a sentence: Hormê drives the Stoic toward just deeds.
Hulê (ὕλη)
Definition: Matter or material; the substance shaped by reason.
Use in a sentence: Like a craftsman with hulê, the Stoic shapes their life.
Hypolêpsis (ὑπόληψις)
Definition: Opinion or assumption; a value judgment.
Use in a sentence: Correct hypolêpsis transforms challenges into opportunities.
Kalon (καλόν)
Definition: The morally beautiful or noble.
Use in a sentence: Acting with kalon inspires others to virtue.
Karteria (καρτερία)
Definition: Endurance or perseverance.
Use in a sentence: Karteria sustains the Stoic through trials.
Katalêpsis (κατάληψις)
Definition: Clear comprehension and conviction.
Use in a sentence: Katalêpsis confirms true knowledge for action.
Kathekonta (καθήκοντα)
Definition: Appropriate actions; duties aligned with nature.
Use in a sentence: Fulfilling kathekonta builds moral character.
Kathêkon (καθῆκον)
Definition: Duty or proper function on the path to virtue.
Use in a sentence: Daily kathêkon includes honest dealings with others.
Katorthôma (κατόρθωμα)
Definition: Perfect action; a morally flawless deed.
Use in a sentence: The sage performs katorthôma effortlessly.
Koinos (κοινός)
Definition: Common or shared; emphasizing interconnectedness.
Use in a sentence: Recognizing the koinos good fosters community.
Kosmos (κόσμος)
Definition: Universe or order; the rational whole.
Use in a sentence: Living in harmony with the kosmos is Stoic wisdom.
Logikos (λογικός)
Definition: Rational; pertaining to reason.
Use in a sentence: Humans are logikos beings, guided by logic.
Logos (λόγος)
Definition: Universal reason; the ordering principle of the cosmos.
Use in a sentence: Aligning with logos ensures a virtuous life.
Logos Spermatikos (λόγος σπερματικός)
Definition: Generative principle; the creative force of the universe.
Use in a sentence: Logos spermatikos explains the cycle of creation.
Lypê (λύπη)
Definition: Distress; a passion from false judgments.
Use in a sentence: Overcoming lypê requires reevaluating perceptions.
Megalopsychia (μεγαλοψυχία)
Definition: Greatness of soul; magnanimity.
Use in a sentence: Megalopsychia involves rising above petty concerns.
Meletê (μελέτη)
Definition: Meditation or practice; reflective exercise.
Use in a sentence: Evening meletê reviews the day's actions.
Memento Mori
Definition: Remember death; a reminder of mortality to live fully.
Use in a sentence: Memento mori urges the Stoic to prioritize virtue today.
Nomos (νόμος)
Definition: Law or custom; societal norms.
Use in a sentence: True justice transcends mere nomos.
Oiêsis (οἴησις)
Definition: Conceit or self-deception; arrogant opinion.
Use in a sentence: Rooting out oiêsis prevents moral errors.
Oikeiôsis (οἰκείωσις)
Definition: Appropriation; extending self-concern to others and community.
Use in a sentence: Oikeiôsis fosters empathy and social bonds.
Orexis (ὄρεξις)
Definition: Desire or inclination toward something.
Use in a sentence: Rational orexis pursues only the good.
Ousia (οὐσία)
Definition: Substance or being; essential nature.
Use in a sentence: Ousia flows like a river, ever-changing.
Paideia (παιδεία)
Definition: Education or training; rearing the ideal citizen.
Use in a sentence: Paideia in Stoicism cultivates wisdom.
Palingenesia (παλιγγενεσία)
Definition: Renewal; associated with cosmic rebirth.
Use in a sentence: Palingenesia symbolizes personal transformation.
Pathos (πάθος)
Definition: Passion; irrational emotion from false judgments.
Use in a sentence: Mastering pathos leads to inner calm.
Phantasia (φαντασία)
Definition: Impression or appearance; how something is perceived.
Use in a sentence: Questioning phantasia avoids misguided reactions.
Phronêsis (φρόνησις)
Definition: Practical wisdom; one of the cardinal virtues.
Use in a sentence: Phronêsis guides what to do or avoid.
Physis (φύσις)
Definition: Nature; the inherent order of the universe.
Use in a sentence: Living according to physis brings fulfillment.
Pneuma (πνεῦμα)
Definition: Breath or spirit; the animating force in Stoic physics.
Use in a sentence: Pneuma connects all things in the cosmos.
Premeditatio Malorum
Definition: Premeditation of evils; anticipating misfortunes to prepare mentally.
Use in a sentence: Premeditatio malorum reduces fear of the unknown.
Procheiron (πρόχειρον)
Definition: Ready at hand; preparedness to apply reason.
Use in a sentence: Keeping principles procheiron aids quick decisions.
Proêgmena (προηγμένα)
Definition: Preferred indifferents; naturally desirable things like health.
Use in a sentence: Wealth is proêgmena, but not essential to happiness.
Prohairesis (προαίρεσις)
Definition: Moral choice or will; the faculty of reasoned decision.
Use in a sentence: Prohairesis determines our response to events.
Prokopê (προκοπή)
Definition: Progress; advancement toward wisdom.
Use in a sentence: Daily prokopê marks the Stoic journey.
Prokoptôn (προκοπτών)
Definition: One making progress; a Stoic disciple.
Use in a sentence: The prokoptôn learns from mistakes to improve.
Prolêpsis (πρόληψις)
Definition: Preconception; innate general concepts.
Use in a sentence: Prolêpsis of justice is universal in rational beings.
Pronoia (πρόνοια)
Definition: Providence; benevolent foresight governing the cosmos.
Use in a sentence: Trusting pronoia accepts all as for the best.
Propatheia (προπάθεια)
Definition: Pre-emotion; initial automatic reaction before judgment.
Use in a sentence: Recognizing propatheia allows rational control.
Prosochê (προσοχή)
Definition: Attention or mindfulness; vigilant self-awareness.
Use in a sentence: Prosochê maintains focus on the present moment.
Prothymia (προθυμία)
Definition: Eagerness toward virtue; goodwill.
Use in a sentence: Prothymia motivates acts of kindness.
Psychê (ψυχή)
Definition: Soul or mind; the living principle.
Use in a sentence: Nurturing the psychê leads to ethical excellence.
Sophia (σοφία)
Definition: Philosophical wisdom.
Use in a sentence: Sophia integrates knowledge with action.
Sophos (σοφός)
Definition: The wise person or sage; the ethical ideal.
Use in a sentence: The sophos embodies perfect virtue.
Sophrosynê (σωφροσύνη)
Definition: Temperance; self-control, one of the cardinal virtues.
Use in a sentence: Sophrosynê moderates desires for balance.
Summum Bonum
Definition: The highest good; virtue as the ultimate aim.
Use in a sentence: For Stoics, summum bonum is living virtuously.
Sympatheia (συμπάθεια)
Definition: Sympathy or interconnectedness; mutual affinity in the universe.
Use in a sentence: Sympatheia reminds us we are part of a greater whole.
Synkatathesis (συγκατάθεσις)
Definition: Assent; approval to impressions enabling action.
Use in a sentence: Wise synkatathesis aligns choices with reason.
Taxis (τάξις)
Definition: Order; the structure of the cosmos.
Use in a sentence: Appreciating taxis reveals purpose in chaos.
Technê (τέχνη)
Definition: Craft or art; practical application of knowledge.
Use in a sentence: Life is a technê mastered through virtue.
Telos (τέλος)
Definition: End or goal; the purpose of life, often eudaimonia.
Use in a sentence: The telos of Stoicism is a flourishing existence.
Theôrêma (θεώρημα)
Definition: General principle or perception.
Use in a sentence: Stoic theôrêma includes the dichotomy of control.
Theos (θεός)
Definition: God; the rational order in the universe.
Use in a sentence: Theos is synonymous with logos in Stoic theology.
Tonos (τόνος)
Definition: Tension; the physical principle causing attraction, repulsion, virtue, and vice.
Use in a sentence: Proper tonos in the soul fosters resilience.