Topic · from the English index · as printed

Doubtful

assertion, expressed by present subjunctive with μή

SUBJUNCTIVE WITHOUT ἄν

Doubtful Assertion.—The present subjunctive with μή may express a doubtful assertion, with μὴ οὐ a doubtful negation. The idea of apprehension or anxiety (real or assumed) is due to the situation. A touch of irony often marks this use, which is chiefly Platonic. With μή (of what may be true): μὴ ἀγροικότερον ᾖ τὸ ἀληθὲς εἰπεῖν I suspect it's rather bad form (lit. too rude) to tell the truth P. G. 462e. With μὴ οὐ (of what may not be true): ἀλλὰ μὴ οὐχ οὕτως ἔχῃ but I rather think this may not be so P. Crat. 436b, μὴ οὐκ ᾖ διδακτὸν ἀρετή virtue is perhaps not a thing to be taught P. Men. 94e.

negation, expressed by present subjunctive with μὴ οὐ

SUBJUNCTIVE WITHOUT ἄν

Doubtful Assertion.—The present subjunctive with μή may express a doubtful assertion, with μὴ οὐ a doubtful negation. The idea of apprehension or anxiety (real or assumed) is due to the situation. A touch of irony often marks this use, which is chiefly Platonic. With μή (of what may be true): μὴ ἀγροικότερον ᾖ τὸ ἀληθὲς εἰπεῖν I suspect it's rather bad form (lit. too rude) to tell the truth P. G. 462e. With μὴ οὐ (of what may not be true): ἀλλὰ μὴ οὐχ οὕτως ἔχῃ but I rather think this may not be so P. Crat. 436b, μὴ οὐκ ᾖ διδακτὸν ἀρετή virtue is perhaps not a thing to be taught P. Men. 94e.