From the book
Lysis
Plato · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordSystellō means draw together, reduce, take down; here restrain inflated self-estimation.
- In LysisThe participle συστέλλοντα is paired with ταπεινοῦντα in Socrates’ unspoken lesson to Hippothales.
- Reading contextThe reduction concerns confidence unsupported by understanding.
- A place to readThe Greek example means “humbling him and taking him down.”
- English renderings
- Draw together, reduce, take down; here restrain inflated self-estimation
Meaning
Draw together, reduce, take down; here restrain inflated self-estimation.
Grammatical category: verb.
Use in the book
The participle συστέλλοντα is paired with ταπεινοῦντα in Socrates’ unspoken lesson to Hippothales. Both describe the effect of his questions on Lysis, who has acknowledged his need for teaching and given up the claim to pride.
The verb’s contraction image contrasts with χαυνοῦντα, puffing up, and διαθρύπτοντα, pampering. It is not a demand that Lysis remain permanently inhibited or silent: immediately afterward the boy eagerly wants the conversation to continue. The reduction concerns confidence unsupported by understanding.
Places to read
- 210eταπεινοῦντα καὶ συστέλλοντα — humbling him and taking him down.