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1801. Doubtful Assertion.—The present subjunctive with μή may express a doubtful assertion, with μὴ οὐ a doubtful negation. The idea of apprehension or anxiety (real or assumed) is due to the situation. A touch of irony often marks this use, which is chiefly Platonic. With μή (of what may be true): μὴ ἀγροικότερον ᾖ τὸ ἀληθὲς εἰπεῖν I suspect it's rather bad form (lit. too rude) to tell the truth P. G. 462e. With μὴ οὐ (of what may not be true): ““ἀλλὰ μὴ οὐχ οὕτως ἔχῃ” but I rather think this may not be so” P. Crat. 436b, ““μὴ οὐκ ᾖ διδακτὸν ἀρετή” virtue is perhaps not a thing to be taught” P. Men. 94e.

American Book Company, 1920.

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  • Cross-references to this page (1):
    • Jeffrey A. Rydberg-Cox, Overview of Greek Syntax, Verbs: Mood
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