This traces its meaning back to the Greek “gymnazein” which literally means “to exercise naked,” from the word “gymnos” (naked). The “gymnasion” was, therefore, a public, open space for training. Exercises could be both mental and physical. In English, “gymnasium” adopted its sense of being a place of physical exercise. In the German language, on the other hand, “das Gymnasium” means “high school,” having inherited the mental exercise connotation. However, the implication of nakedness seems to have been lost in both cases.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

Like this: Like Loading... Related