Poiein

Poiein (Greek: ποιεῖν) is a classical Greek verb meaning “to make,” “to create,” “to produce,” or “to do.” In its present active infinitive form, poiein denotes the action of making. The related noun poiesis (ποίησις) refers to the act or process of making or producing and underpins terms such aspoietic and poetry.

Etymology and related terms: Poiein comes from the verb ποιέω, meaning to make or to do. The noun poiesis is formed with the suffix -σις and conveys the sense of productive activity. From the same root derive words such as ποιητής (poietes, “maker” or “poet”) and poetry, which in Greek is often associated with the act of making verse.

Classical usage: In ancient Greek, poiein spans a wide range of making activities, from crafts and building to creating offerings or works of art. In literary contexts, poiein is closely linked with composing poetry, music, or other artistic outputs, highlighting the maker’s role in bringing something into being.

Philosophical significance: The concept of poiesis is central in Greek philosophy and later literary theory. Aristotle’s Poetics discusses poiesis as the productive act by which a work of art comes into existence, contrasted with mimesis, or imitation. In modern philosophy, Heidegger uses poiesis to describe a broader bringing-forth of truth and meaning, distinguishing it from mere technique (techne) and framed by questions about art, technology, and Being.

See also: Poiesis, poietic, poietes, poetics, mimesis, Aristotle, Heidegger.