khorein

Khorein is the transliteration of the Ancient Greek infinitive χορεῖν (or χορεύειν), meaning “to dance.” In scholarly works it is treated as the non-conjugated form of the verb, used to discuss the action of dancing without specifying a subject or tense. The form is encountered in grammars, lexica, and translations that analyze Greek verb systems or quote original passages.

Etymology and related terms: Khorein derives from the same root as χορός, the word for dance or chorus, which reflects the close connection between dancing and the chorus in ancient Greek performance. The infinitive can appear in slightly different spellings in transliteration, such as khorein or khoreuein, depending on the conventions of the source.

Usage and context: The infinitive khorein appears in classical Greek texts primarily in linguistic, philological, or translated contexts. It is used by scholars to refer to the act of dancing in a general sense, or to discuss the role of dance in chorus scenes, drama, and ritual performances. In modern Greek, the standard everyday verb for “to dance” is χορεύω, and the corresponding infinitive is χορεύειν in more formal or archaic usage; khorein itself is largely confined to academic discussions of the ancient language.

Relevance: Khorein is of interest mainly to students of Ancient Greek, linguists, and translators who study verb morphology, etymology, and classical literature. It serves as a representative example of how Greek infinitives are formed and cited in scholarly work. See also χορός and χορεύω for related terms.