ABSTRACT
In its primary and most general sense, χάρις denotes the grace or loveliness of a person, a god, or a thing, but connected with this outward quality is always something which makes this loveliness erotic and attractive. With this meaning coexists a more subjective one, “grace” or “favor” in a general sense. On the part of the doer, χάρις is the “kindness”, “goodwill” towards one; on the part of the receiver it means “thankfulness” or “gratitude” for a favour. χάρις also signifies in a concrete sense a “favor done or returned”, a “boon”.
