The symbol ψ is the lowercase form of Psi, the twenty-third and penultimate letter of the Greek alphabet.
Psi, also known as ψι (pronounced [ˈpsi] in Greek), is a significant letter within the Greek alphabet. It holds a distinct position, appearing near the end of the alphabet, and carries a specific numeric value.
Here are the key attributes of the symbol ψ:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Psi (pronounced /ˈ(p)saɪ/ or /ˈ(p)siː/) |
| Uppercase Form | Ψ |
| Lowercase Forms | ψ or 𝛙 |
| Alphabet Position | Twenty-third and penultimate letter of the Greek alphabet |
| Numeric Value | 700 |
| Sound | Indicates the combination /ps/ (as in the English word "lapse") |
| Usage Context | Both Classical and Modern Greek |
Pronunciation and Usage
The letter Psi (ψ) is fundamentally associated with the /ps/ sound combination. This phonetic value is consistent across both Classical and Modern Greek, making its pronunciation predictable. For instance, much like the "ps" in words such as "psychology" or "pseudonym" in English, Psi represents this combined consonant sound.
Key Aspects of Psi
- Alphabetical Standing: As the twenty-third letter, Psi is almost at the end of the Greek alphabet, followed only by Omega (Ω).
- Numeric Significance: In the Greek numeral system, each letter corresponds to a specific numeric value. Psi is assigned the value of 700.
- Phonetic Consistency: Its representation of the /ps/ sound is a core characteristic, serving as a clear example of how Greek letters can represent combinations of sounds.
For further details, you can refer to the Psi (Greek) Wikipedia page.
