sophistês
From σοφίζω (sophízō, “to become wise”) + -ιστής (-istḗs), from σοφός (sophós, “wise”).
- IPA(key): /so.pʰis.tɛ̌ːs/ → /so.ɸisˈtis/ → /so.fisˈtis/
σοφῐστής • (sophĭstḗs) m (genitive σοφῐστοῦ); first declension(Attic, Ionic, Koine)
- A master of one's craft
- One who is wise, prudent, a philosopher
- teacher, tutor
- (slang, derogatory) One who makes a profit off of false wisdom: cheat, swindler
The reputation of the teachers at Athens came into decline in the fifth century BC, and thus came the connotation of cheat. This varies with time in relation to the general approval or disapproval of the paid teachers.