paraenesis

noun

pa·​raene·​sis
variants or less commonly parenesis
pəˈrēnəsə̇s,
-ren-
plural paraeneses also pareneses
-nəˌsēz
: an exhortatory composition : advice, counsel
paraenetic adjective
or less commonly parenetic
¦parə¦netik
paraenetical adjective
or less commonly parenetical
-tə̇kəl

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin paraenesis, from Greek parainesis, from parainein to advise (from para- para- entry 1 + ainein to speak of, praise, advise, from ainos speech, fable) + -sis

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near paraenesis

Cite this Entry

“Paraenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paraenesis. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!