Where did the word Nemesis originate?

By: | Post date: 2016-03-18 | Comments: No Comments
Posted in categories: Ancient Greek, Linguistics

Online Etymology Dictionary

Nemesis, “Greek goddess of vengeance, personification of divine wrath,” from Greek nemesis “just indignation, righteous anger,” literally “distribution” (of what is due), related to nemein “distribute, allot, apportion one’s due”.

Goes on to note that the word is cognate to German nehmen “take”.

Conceptually, Nemesis is the same notion as one’s “lot” (allotment)—which also underlies the Greek name for the Fates, Moirai (literally: “shares”).

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