καθόλου
kathólou
G2527 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
Adverb indicating entirety or universality; primarily meaning 'as a whole,' 'in general,' or 'generally.' In context, it can also mean 'altogether,' 'entirely,' or 'at all' (especially in negative clauses, to indicate total absence or nonexistence of something). Has a sense of totality or comprehensiveness—modifying a statement to assert it applies without exception or to the full extent.
Semantic Range
as a whole, in general, universally, altogether, entirely, at all (esp. in negative clauses)
Root / Etymology
From κατά ('down, according to') and ὅλος ('whole, entire'); καθόλου is a compound adverb meaning 'according to the whole,' i.e., universally or generally.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in classical Greek (e.g., Aristotle, where καθόλου is significant in logical and philosophical discussion for expressing general or universal statements as opposed to particulars). In the Koine period, including New Testament texts (cf. Heb 9:7), used to indicate something held universally or comprehensively, or, in negative clauses, to mean 'not at all.' English translations often render καθόλου with 'at all,' but this sometimes obscures its sense of generality or universal inclusion. The compound structure is parallel to Latin 'universum,' and the term had technical use in Aristotelian logic distinguishing the universal (καθόλου) from the particular (καθ’ ἕκαστον). In later Christian and philosophical Greek, καθόλου became foundational for the term καθολικός ('universal,' whence 'catholic').
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and ὅλος; on the whole, i.e. entirely:--at all.
Root Family
καθόλου (katholou) — whole, entire, universal, general
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2527-01 |
καθόλου | katholou | ADV |
at all | altogether | at all | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2527-01 |
Acts 4:18 | καθόλου | katholou | ADV |
at all | altogether | at all |