kăkós

The origin is unknown, with multiple theories proposed:

• From a Proto-Indo-European *kaḱ-, *knḱ- (“slight”), and related to Avestan 𐬐𐬀𐬯𐬎 (kasu, “small, slight”).
• From Proto-Indo-European *kenk- (“to burn, hunger, desire”), and related to Lithuanian keñkti (“to do harm, ache”), Proto-Germanic *hungruz (“hunger”).
• From Pre-Greek.
• Possibly connected with Proto-Indo-European *kakka- (“to defecate”); compare κακκάω (kakkáō, “id”). (Can this⁽⁺⁾ etymology be sourced?)

See also Phrygian κακον (kakon, “harm”), which was borrowed from Greek, and Albanian keq (“bad”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ka.kós/ → /kaˈkos/ → /kaˈkos/

Adjective

κᾰκός • (kăkós) m (feminine κᾰκή, neuter κᾰκόν); first/second declension

1. As a measure of quality: bad, worthless, useless
2. As a measure of appearance: ugly, hideous
3. Of circumstances: injurious, wretched, unhappy
4. As a measure of character: low, mean, vile, evil

Usage notes

The difference between the three most common comparatives/superlatives is the following:

• κακίων (kakíōn), κάκιστος (kákistos): morally inferior, more cowardly.
• χείρων (kheírōn), χείριστος (kheíristos): inferior in strength, rank, or quality.
• ἥττων (hḗttōn), ἥκιστος (hḗkistos): inferior, weaker, less.