sophrosyne

[suh-fros-uh-nee]

noun

1. moderation; discretion; prudence.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sophrosyne¹

< Greek sōphrosýnē, derivative of sṓphrōn prudent

Example Sentences

II. A Modern Mantra Wisdom, judgment, wit and sense; Sophrosyne, intelligence; Keep these close and you will live a life without regret.

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III. How can we put a person forth to be the nation’s boss, and he Be utterly devoid of any semblance of sophrosyne?

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In The Laws, Plato discusses the concept of sophrosyne, the moderation of one’s desires in order to achieve full mastery of the self and true masculinity.

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Sophrosyne, sō-fros′i-nē, n. soundness of mind.

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The qualities necessary to the artist do no harm to those which make the thinker and good citizen—every where, as in the literary laws of ancient Greece, consonance, sophrosyne, moderation.

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Related Words

• caution 
• discretion 
• foresight 
• frugality 
• moderation 
• restraint 
• thrift 
• vigilance 
• wisdom 

When To Use

What does sophrosyne mean?

Sophrosyne is the virtue of being reasonable and moderate and having self-control.A virtue is a good quality that a person has, like honesty. Sophrosyne is closely associated with Ancient Greek philosophy. It is considered the opposite of hubris, which is excessive pride or arrogance, especially that which clouds judgment.Example: Though some of his initial ideas were unrealistic, he maintained his sophrosyne that prevented him from pitching anything too wild.