kallein

Kallein is a transliteration of the Ancient Greek verb καλέω, meaning “to call,” “to name,” or “to summon.” It is attested in Classical Greek and survives in later Greek varieties, where it functions as a basic verb in the domain of calling or addressing someone or something. The term is commonly encountered in grammars and dictionaries as the infinitive form of the root παρακαλέω- and related compounds.

Etymologically, καλέω belongs to the Greek verb system and is linked with a family of forms built around the core idea of summoning or naming. It has given rise to a number of compound verbs in Greek that extend its sense, such as παρακαλέω, meaning “to entreat” or “to call to,” and other formations that incorporate the calling concept in various contexts.

In Classical Greek usage, καλέω appears in contexts ranging from naming a person, calling a crowd to attend, to invoking or addressing a deity or speaker. The verb participates in the rich system of mood, tense, and voice characteristic of ancient Greek verb conjugation, producing a range of forms for different grammatical functions. In Modern Greek, the related verb survives as καλώ, with a similar core meaning of “to call,” including calling by name, inviting, or phoning.

See also: Greek verbs with root meaning “to call” and common compounds such as παρακαλέω.

Note: This article provides a concise overview of the Greek verb and its semantic field; for detailed conjugation and inflection, consult a comprehensive Greek grammar.