Final answer:
In Euripides' 'Hippolytus,' the Greek word sophronein refers to a virtue of moderation and self-control, which is a key thematic element throughout the play.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Greek word sophronein, as employed by various characters in Euripides' Hippolytus, generally denotes an ethos of moderation and self-control, which is a significant thematic element in the tragedy. This term is intricately linked to the broader cultural and ethical landscape of ancient Greek society, where moderation was often considered a virtue. The characters in Hippolytus navigate through their desires and actions within the expectations of sophronein, highlighting the tension between human passion and the societal norms of restraint. The struggle to adhere to or deviate from sophronein serves as a vehicle for the play's tragic developments, reflecting on the complexity of human nature and the repercussions of both adherence to and violation of social norms.