Augment, Reduplication, and Sound Changes
Augment
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Syllabic augment | ἐ- before consonant | λύω -> ἔλυον |
| Temporal augment | initial vowel lengthens | ἀκούω -> ἤκουον (common pattern) |
| Where used | past tenses of indicative | imperfect, aorist, pluperfect |
Reduplication
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Regular consonant | initial consonant + ε | λύω -> λέλυκα |
| Aspirate | reduplicate with unaspirated mate | θύω -> τέθυκα (pattern) |
| Vowel initial | often lengthening instead | varies by verb |
Movable ν and sigma changes
- Movable ν often appears in 3rd singular / 3rd plural forms before a vowel or pause: ἐστί(ν), λύουσι(ν), ἔλυσε(ν).
- Labial + σ -> ψ; velar + σ -> ξ; dental + σ -> σ (the dental disappears). These sound changes help explain futures and aorists.
- A final stem consonant may change or disappear before third-declension endings; this is why the genitive singular is essential for finding the stem.
Source: Morphology sheet, p. 24.