πηδᾶν "bounce" / "jump" not distinguished for (in)animate?

Semantic Range, Lexicography, and other approaches to word meaning - in general, or for particular words.
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Stephen Hughes
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Joined: February 26th, 2013, 7:12 am

πηδᾶν "bounce" / "jump" not distinguished for (in)animate?

Post by Stephen Hughes »

Am I right in understanding that Greek does not use a different word for "bounce" (as English does based on bouncing being a non-willing action or one for inanimate objects) and "jump"? Both seem to be expressed by πηρδᾶν, and most commonly the derivative ἀναπηδᾶν. The more intense meaning of bounce with a great force seems to be ὠθειν (intrans.). The words of the αλμα family don't seem to be used of bounce, nor does σκιρτᾶν (itself another imperfect overlap in meaning when used of babies in their mothers' belly, because we say in English that it "kicks" because despite the appropriate rapid leg movement, it doesn't actually change position and go anywhere).

Does anybody know of a specific Greek word for English "bounce", or am I chasing after after the end of a rainbow to try to find one?
Γελᾷ δ' ὁ μωρός, κἄν τι μὴ γέλοιον ᾖ
(Menander, Γνῶμαι μονόστιχοι 108)
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