In addition to Latin, Greek is one of the languages that has influenced others around the world immensely. Several English words have originated directly from Greek, making it imperative to know their origin and meaning.
Under mentioned are 7 Greek words, commonly used in our day-to-day verbal and written communication. Next time you hear any of these words, you will know where they came from.
1. Acropolis
Acro stands for extremity, while polis means city. In short, Acropolis,
means cities that are built keeping security purposes in mind. The term
Acropolis is usually linked with Greece’s capital Athens, nonetheless it can
refer to any citadel, including Jerusalem and Rome.
2. Agora
In ancient times, the agora was an open marketplace, present in most
cities of Greece even today. This word is therefore used for any type of
open congregation or assembly.
In early Greek history, free-born male landowners/citizens would gather in
the agora to perform military duty or to hear statements from the ruling
king/council. In later times, the agora also started serving as a
marketplace where traders placed stalls or shops for selling their goods
amid arcades.
3. Anaemia
Anaemia is all about a condition resultant of a qualitative or quantitative
deficiency of red blood cells. Later on, however, the word started to be
used in other contexts too, referring to any deficiency that is at the core of
any system or organization.
4. Ethos
This term has been translated literally from the Greek meaning
“accustomed place.” It talks about a disposition or characteristics specific
to a particular person, culture or movement. There are several synonyms
to this term that include values, mentality and mindset.
5. Eureka
The word Eureka is used to commemorate a discovery/invention, and it
can be translated to “I have found”. This word is the brainchild of the
famous Greek mathematician Archimedes. While taking a bath, he all of a
sudden realized that the water displaced was equal to the mass of the part
of his body he had submerged. He was excited by this discovery and
immediately ran out of the house shouting “Eureka!” through the streets of
Syracuse. This is how the word Eureka became part and parcel of English
language.
6. Phobia
This word carries several confusions with it. Many people wrongly believe
that a phobia refers to a fear. In fact it is much more than this. The word
refers to an irrational and exaggerated fear of something. The fear can be
associated with activities, situations, things or people.
7. Plethora
This word represents an undesired abundance. You have a plethora when
you go beyond what is required or appropriate in terms of proportion or
volume.
In addition to the above, there are many more Greek words, as well as words derived from other countries, communities and cultures, that have been merged in English language enriching its global usage! Understanding their origins and the correct usage of such foreign terms can add spice to your communication, and can enrich your written pieces manifoldly. Hiring proofreading service provider can also help you to get well-trimmed and professionally written pieces.
Under mentioned are 7 Greek words, commonly used in our day-to-day verbal and written communication. Next time you hear any of these words, you will know where they came from.
1. Acropolis
Acro stands for extremity, while polis means city. In short, Acropolis,
means cities that are built keeping security purposes in mind. The term
Acropolis is usually linked with Greece’s capital Athens, nonetheless it can
refer to any citadel, including Jerusalem and Rome.
2. Agora
In ancient times, the agora was an open marketplace, present in most
cities of Greece even today. This word is therefore used for any type of
open congregation or assembly.
In early Greek history, free-born male landowners/citizens would gather in
the agora to perform military duty or to hear statements from the ruling
king/council. In later times, the agora also started serving as a
marketplace where traders placed stalls or shops for selling their goods
amid arcades.
3. Anaemia
Anaemia is all about a condition resultant of a qualitative or quantitative
deficiency of red blood cells. Later on, however, the word started to be
used in other contexts too, referring to any deficiency that is at the core of
any system or organization.
4. Ethos
This term has been translated literally from the Greek meaning
“accustomed place.” It talks about a disposition or characteristics specific
to a particular person, culture or movement. There are several synonyms
to this term that include values, mentality and mindset.
5. Eureka
The word Eureka is used to commemorate a discovery/invention, and it
can be translated to “I have found”. This word is the brainchild of the
famous Greek mathematician Archimedes. While taking a bath, he all of a
sudden realized that the water displaced was equal to the mass of the part
of his body he had submerged. He was excited by this discovery and
immediately ran out of the house shouting “Eureka!” through the streets of
Syracuse. This is how the word Eureka became part and parcel of English
language.
6. Phobia
This word carries several confusions with it. Many people wrongly believe
that a phobia refers to a fear. In fact it is much more than this. The word
refers to an irrational and exaggerated fear of something. The fear can be
associated with activities, situations, things or people.
7. Plethora
This word represents an undesired abundance. You have a plethora when
you go beyond what is required or appropriate in terms of proportion or
volume.
In addition to the above, there are many more Greek words, as well as words derived from other countries, communities and cultures, that have been merged in English language enriching its global usage! Understanding their origins and the correct usage of such foreign terms can add spice to your communication, and can enrich your written pieces manifoldly. Hiring proofreading service provider can also help you to get well-trimmed and professionally written pieces.