2 notes on accents- Classical Greek

While some vowels are LONG “BY NATURE” (e.g. η, ω…), ALL DIPHTHONGS are long (e.g., ει, οι, ευ…). There are two exceptions, however, to this diphthong rule. For indicative verbs – and all nouns and infinitives – FINAL –αι and –οι were pronounced quickly by the Greeks, and so regarded as short when determining accent type and placement. Note, for example, the accents on the following verbs:

βούλομαι, δύνανται, τίθεται, τίθεσαι…

The INFINITIVE mood does not follow the recessive accentuation rules that govern all other moods of a Greek verb. It is best simply to memorize the accent tendencies for each infinitive form as they are encountered in the lessons. For infinitives ending in –ναι, for example, the accent always falls on the PENULT.

You can also read: Plato’s Apology of Socrates & English Translation [17a-25a]

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