Helot

Pronunciation: /ˈhɛlət/

Definitions of helot

noun a member of a class of serfs in ancient Sparta, intermediate in status between slaves and citizens

Example Sentences

A1 The helot worked in the fields all day.

A2 The helot was treated as a slave by the Spartans.

B1 The helot revolted against their oppressive rulers.

B2 The helot population outnumbered the Spartan citizens.

C1 The helot system was a key aspect of Sparta's economy.

C2 Helots were integral to the agricultural production of ancient Sparta.

Examples of helot in a Sentence

formal In ancient Sparta, helots were a class of enslaved people who worked the land for the Spartan citizens.

informal The helots were responsible for tending to the crops and livestock in Sparta.

slang The helots had to do all the dirty work while the Spartans enjoyed their leisure time.

figurative In modern society, some people feel like helots to their jobs, constantly working without much reward.

Grammatical Forms of helot

• plural: helots
• comparative: more helot
• superlative: most helot
• present tense: helots
• future tense: will helot
• perfect tense: have heloted
• continuous tense: is heloting
• singular: helot
• positive degree: helot
• infinitive: to helot
• gerund: heloting
• participle: heloted

Origin and Evolution of helot

First Known Use: 0600 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'helot' originated in ancient Greece.

Evolution of the word: Originally referred to a class of enslaved people in ancient Sparta, the term 'helot' has evolved to be used more broadly to describe a person in a condition of servitude or subjugation.