Last updated on August 21st, 2025 at 01:26 pm
Greek Words in English – A Unique Exploration
The Greek (Hellenic) language has contributed enormously to English, particularly in fields such as science, medicine, mathematics, and the arts. Countless English words—ranging from phenomenon and symbiosis to democracy and athletics—trace their roots directly to ancient Greek.
Many of these words also reflect Greece’s rich mythology and culture, with references to Olympian gods, legendary heroes, and classical concepts, producing terms like herculean or aphrodisiac. Beyond everyday language, Greek word elements continue to fuel new coinages in specialized fields: think photography, telemetry, biomechanics, and cinematography.
Scholars estimate that roughly 30% of modern English vocabulary is derived from Greek, either directly or through Latin intermediaries. This explains why English, though fundamentally Germanic, is so flexible and able to incorporate technical, philosophical, and cultural terminology.
This PDF offers a comprehensive list of Greek words used in English, organized into categories for easier reference. Whether you are a student, a language enthusiast, or simply curious, it provides a valuable snapshot of how ancient Hellenic roots still shape our modern vocabulary.
For those inspired by Greek history and culture, diving deeper can be as immersive as visiting a Greek island. Our Corfu Complete Tourist Guide offers practical tips, hidden gems, and insights into the landscapes, monuments, and traditions that make Corfu a destination worth exploring.
Travelling in Greece
Learn 100 Greek words in 10 minutes!
List of Greek words in English
Only an example of a few words of Greek origin is below, with their writing in the modern Greek language and their spelling with Latin characters. Practically unchanged since antiquity.
Everyday Words Science & Mathematics Medicine & Health Philosophy & Abstract Concepts Mythology & Culture Technology & Modern Coinages
Everyday Words
| Word | Explanation | Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Air | The invisible gaseous substance surrounding the Earth | Αήρ (Aēr) |
| Alphabet | Set of letters used in writing | Αλφάβητο (Alphavito) |
| Angel | A spiritual being, messenger | Άγγελος (Angelos) |
| Arena | Central area for sports or events | Ἀρένα (Arena) |
| Aroma | A pleasant smell | Ἀρωμα (Aroma) |
| Athlete | Person trained in sports | Ἀθλητής (Athlētēs) |
| Athletics | Sports activities or competitions | Ἀθλητισμός (Athlētismos) |
| Bible | Sacred scripture | Βίβλος (Biblos) |
| Center | Middle point or area | Κέντρο (Kentro) |
| Church | Christian place of worship | Εκκλησία (Ekklesia) |
| Clergy | Religious officials | Κληρικός (Klerikos) |
| Climate | Weather conditions in a region | Κλίμα (Klima) |
| Character | Moral or personal traits | Χαρακτήρ (Charaktēr) |
| Dialogue | Conversation between two or more people | Διάλογος (Dialogos) |
| Dialogues | Series of conversations | Διάλογοι (Dialogoi) |
| Dogma | Established belief or doctrine | Δόγμα (Dogma) |
| Drama | Story performed by actors | Δράμα (Drama) |
| Dramatic | Relating to drama or expressive events | Δραματικός (Dramatikos) |
| Echo | Sound reflection | Ἠχώ (Ēchō) |
| Economy | Management of resources | Οἰκονομία (Oikonomia) |
| Enthusiasm | Intense interest or passion | Ἐνθουσιασμός (Enthousiasmos) |
| Fantasy | Imagination, unreal ideas | Φαντασία (Phantasia) |
| Giant | Very large being | Γίγας (Gigas) |
| Giants | Large beings | Γίγαντες (Gigantes) |
| Harmony | Musical or general balance | Ἁρμονία (Harmonia) |
| Horizon | Line where sky meets land/sea | Ὁρίζων (Horizōn) |
| Icon | Religious image or symbol | Εἰκών (Eikōn) |
| Idea | Thought or concept | Ἰδέα (Idea) |
| Idiom | Phrase with special meaning | Ἰδιωμα (Idiōma) |
| Idiot | Ignorant person | Ἴδιoς (Idios) |
| Idol | Object of worship | Εἴδωλο (Eidōlo) |
| Irony | Opposite meaning from literal | Εἰρωνεία (Eirōneia) |
| Jealous | Feeling envy | Ζῆλος (Zēlos) |
| Lion | Big cat | Λέων (Leōn) |
| Litany | Series of prayers | Λιτή (Litē) |
| Machine | Device performing work | Μηχανή (Mēchanē) |
| Martyr | Person dying for faith | Μάρτυρας (Martyras) |
| Muse | Source of inspiration | Μούσα (Mousa) |
| Muses | Inspirational goddesses | Μούσες (Mouses) |
| Mystery | Secret, unknown | Μυστήριον (Mystērion) |
| Nectar | Drink of gods | Νέκταρ (Nektar) |
| Nike | Goddess of victory | Νίκη (Nikē) |
| Ocean | Large body of water | Ὠκεανός (Ōkeanos) |
| Olive | Fruit/tree | Ἐλαία (Elaia) |
| Olympic | Relating to Olympic Games | Ὀλυμπιακός (Olympiakos) |
| Patriot | One who loves homeland | Πατριώτης (Patriōtēs) |
| Poem | Literary composition in verse | Ποίημα (Poiēma) |
| Rhapsody | Musical/poetic composition | Ραψωδία (Rhapsodia) |
| Scene | Setting or episode | Σκηνή (Skenē) |
| Scenes | Multiple settings/episodes | Σκηνές (Skenes) |
| Scholar | Learned person | Σχολαστικός (Scholastikos) |
| Scholars | Learned people | Σχολαστικοί (Scholastikoi) |
| Spirit | Non-physical being or soul | Πνεῦμα (Pneuma) |
| Stadium | Place for sports or performances | Στάδιον (Stadion) |
| Stars | Celestial bodies | Ἀστέρες (Asteres) |
| Sympathy | Feeling compassion | Συμπάθεια (Sympatheia) |
| Talent | Natural ability | Τάλαντον (Talanton) |
| Temple | Religious building | Ναός (Naos) |
| Tone | Musical pitch | Τόνος (Tonos) |
| Tragedy | Serious drama with sad ending | Τραγῳδία (Tragōidia) |
| Triumph | Great success or victory | Θρίαμβος (Thriambos) |
| Universe | All existing matter | Σύμπαν (Sympan) |
| Utopia | Ideal place | Οὐτοπία (Outopia) |
| Zenith | Highest point | Ζενίθ (Zenith) |
| Zone | Area or region | Ζώνη (Zōnē) |
Science & Mathematics
| Word | Explanation | Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Abiogenesis | Origin of life from non-living matter | Αβιογένεση (Abiogenesis) |
| Acoustics | Study of sound | Ἀκουστική (Akoustikē) |
| Analysis | Detailed examination of something | Ἀνάλυσις (Analysis) |
| Anatomy | Study of body structure | Ἀνατομία (Anatomia) |
| Asteroids | Small rocky bodies in space | Ἀστεροειδής (Asteroeidēs) |
| Astronaut | Space traveler | Ἀστροναύτης (Astronautēs) |
| Astronomy | Study of celestial objects | Ἀστρονομία (Astronomia) |
| Atlas | Collection of maps | Ἄτλας (Atlas) |
| Atmosphere | Layer of gases surrounding a planet | Ἀτμόσφαιρα (Atmosphaira) |
| Atom | Smallest unit of matter | Ἄτομον (Atomon) |
| Bacterium | Single-celled microorganism | Βακτήριον (Baktērion) |
| Biologists | Scientists studying living organisms | Βιολόγοι (Biologoi) |
| Biology | Study of life | Βιολογία (Biologia) |
| Catalyst | Substance that speeds up a reaction | Καταλύτης (Katalytēs) |
| Chemistry | Science of substances | Χημεία (Chēmeia) |
| Chemists | Scientists who study chemistry | Χημικοί (Chēmikoi) |
| Chromatic | Relating to colors | Χρωματικός (Chromatikos) |
| Chronological | Arranged in order of time | Χρονολογικός (Chronologikos) |
| Chronology | Study of time sequences | Χρονολογία (Chronologia) |
| Chronometer | Device for measuring time | Χρονομέτρον (Chronometron) |
| Chronos | Personification of time | Χρόνος (Chronos) |
| Climate | Long-term weather conditions | Κλίμα (Klima) |
| Cosmology | Study of the universe | Κοσμολογία (Kosmologia) |
| Cosmos | The universe as an ordered whole | Κόσμος (Kosmos) |
| Cube | Three-dimensional square | Κύβος (Kubos) |
| Cycle | Series of events that repeat | Κύκλος (Kyklos) |
| Cycles | Multiple repeating series | Κύκλοι (Kykloi) |
| Cyclo | Prefix meaning circle or wheel | Κύκλος (Kyklos) |
| Cyclone | Large rotating storm | Κυκλώνας (Kyklōnas) |
| Decade | Period of ten years | Δεκαετία (Dekaetia) |
| Dynamics | Study of forces and motion | Δυναμική (Dynamikē) |
| Energy | Capacity to do work | Ἐνέργεια (Energeia) |
| Galaxy | Massive system of stars | Γαλαξίας (Galaxias) |
| Gamma | Third letter of Greek alphabet | Γάμμα (Gamma) |
| Genetic | Related to genes | Γενετικός (Genetikos) |
| Geo | Prefix meaning Earth | Γῆ (Ge) |
| Geography | Study of Earth’s surface | Γεωγραφία (Geographia) |
| Geologists | Scientists who study Earth | Γεωλόγοι (Geologoi) |
| Geology | Study of Earth’s physical structure | Γεωλογία (Geologia) |
| Geometry | Study of shapes and spaces | Γεωμετρία (Geometria) |
| Graph | Diagram representing data | Γράφη (Graphē) |
| Hydro | Prefix meaning water | Ὕδωρ (Hydōr) |
| Kinetic | Relating to motion | Κινητικός (Kinetikos) |
| Kinetics | Study of motion | Κινητική (Kinetikē) |
| Macro- | Prefix meaning large | Μακρο- (Makro-) |
| Macrocosm | Large-scale universe | Μακρόκοσμος (Makrokosmos) |
| Mathematics | Study of numbers and quantities | Μαθηματικά (Mathēmatiká) |
| Mechanics | Study of forces and motion | Μηχανική (Mēchanikē) |
| Mega- | Prefix meaning great or large | Μέγα (Mega) |
| Metabolism | Chemical processes in living organisms | Μεταβολισμός (Metabolismos) |
| Meteorology | Study of the atmosphere and weather | Μετεωρολογία (Meteorologia) |
| Micro- | Prefix meaning small | Μικρο- (Micro-) |
| Microcosm | Small-scale world | Μικρόκοσμος (Mikrokosmos) |
| Microscopy | Study using microscopes | Μικροσκοπία (Mikroskopia) |
| Neutron stars | Extremely dense stars | Νευτρόνια αστέρια (Neutron asteria) |
| Optics | Study of light and vision | Ὀπτική (Optikē) |
| Paleontology | Study of fossils | Παλαιοντολογία (Palaiontologia) |
| Phenomena | Observable events | Φαινόμενα (Phainomena) |
| Phenomenon | Single observable event | Φαινόμενο (Phainomenon) |
| Physics | Study of matter and energy | Φυσική (Physikē) |
| Physiology | Study of body functions | Φυσιολογία (Physiologia) |
| Planet | Celestial body orbiting a star | Πλανήτης (Planētēs) |
| Planets | Multiple orbiting bodies | Πλανήτες (Planētes) |
| Polymorphic | Having many forms | Πολυμορφικός (Polymorphikos) |
| Seismology | Study of earthquakes | Σεισμολογία (Seismologia) |
| Sphere | Round 3D shape | Σφαῖρα (Sphaira) |
| Stratigraphy | Study of rock layers | Στρωματογραφία (Stromatographia) |
| Synthesis | Combination of elements | Σύνθεση (Synthesis) |
| System | Organized structure | Σύστημα (Systēma) |
| Systems | Multiple organized structures | Συστήματα (Systēmata) |
| Tectonic | Relating to Earth’s structure | Τεκτονικός (Tektonikos) |
| Topology | Study of spatial properties | Τοπολογία (Topologia) |
| Topos | Place or location | Τόπος (Topos) |
| Trigonometry | Study of triangles | Τριγωνομετρία (Trigonometriā) |
Medicine & Health
| Word | Explanation | Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | Pain reliever | Ἀναλγητικό (Analgesic) |
| Anemia | Blood condition with low red cells | Ἀναιμία (Anemia) |
| Anesthesia | Loss of sensation | Ἀναισθησία (Anesthesia) |
| Antibiotic | Substance that kills bacteria | Ἀντιβιοτικό (Antibiotiko) |
| Antiseptic | Prevents infection | Ἀντισηπτικό (Antiseptikó) |
| Cardiology | Study of the heart | Καρδιολογία (Kardiologia) |
| Clinic | Healthcare facility | Κλινική (Klinikē) |
| Clinical | Relating to patient treatment | Κλινικός (Klinikos) |
| Dermatitis | Skin inflammation | Δερματίτις (Dermatitis) |
| Dermatology | Study of skin | Δερματολογία (Dermatologia) |
| Diabetes | Metabolic disease | Διαβήτης (Diabetes) |
| Diagnosis | Identification of disease | Διάγνωση (Diagnosis) |
| Diet | Nutritional regimen | Δίαιτα (Dieta) |
| Endocrinology | Study of hormones | Ενδοκρινολογία (Endokrinologia) |
| Gastroenterology | Study of digestive system | Γαστρεντερολογία (Gastroenterologia) |
| Hematology | Study of blood | Αιματολογία (Hematologia) |
| Hormone | Chemical messenger | Ὁρμόνη (Hormone) |
| Leukemia | Cancer of blood cells | Λευχαιμία (Leukemia) |
| Oncology | Study of tumors | Ὀγκολογία (Onkologia) |
| Pathology | Study of disease | Παθολογία (Pathologia) |
| Pediatrics | Medical care of children | Παιδιατρική (Pediatrics) |
| Pharmacologists | Experts in drugs | Φαρμακολόγοι (Pharmakologoi) |
| Pharmacology | Study of drugs | Φαρμακολογία (Pharmakologia) |
| Physiology | Study of body functions | Φυσιολογία (Physiologia) |
| Pneuma | Breath or spirit | Πνεῦμα (Pneuma) |
| Pneumonia | Lung infection | Πνευμονία (Pneumonia) |
| Prognosis | Prediction of disease outcome | Πρόγνωση (Prognosis) |
| Psychiatry | Study of mental disorders | Ψυχιατρική (Psychiatrikē) |
| Psychologists | Experts in mental processes | Ψυχολόγοι (Psychologoi) |
| Psychology | Study of mind | Ψυχολογία (Psychologia) |
| Psychopharmacology | Study of drugs affecting the mind | Ψυχοφαρμακολογία (Psychopharmakologia) |
| Psychosis | Severe mental disorder | Ψύχωσις (Psychosis) |
| Psychotherapy | Treatment of mental disorders | Ψυχοθεραπεία (Psychotherapeia) |
| Symptom | Sign of disease | Σύμπτωμα (Symptōma) |
| Therapy | Treatment of disease | Θεραπεία (Therapia) |
| Therapies | Multiple treatments | Θεραπείες (Therapeies) |
Philosophy & Abstract Concepts
| Word | Explanation | Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Academics | Scholars, people engaged in study | Ἀκαδημαϊκοί (Akadēmaikoi) |
| Academy | Place of study | Ἀκαδημία (Akadēmia) |
| Acme | Peak, highest point | Ἀκμή (Akme) |
| Aesthetics | Study of beauty | Αἰσθητική (Aisthētikē) |
| Agora | Public gathering place | Ἀγορά (Agora) |
| Agoraphobia | Fear of public spaces | Ἀγοραφοβία (Agoraphobia) |
| Analogy | Comparison based on similarity | Ἀναλογία (Analogia) |
| Anarchy | Absence of government | Ἀναρχία (Anarchia) |
| Anathema | Curse, something forbidden | ἀνάθεμα (Anathema) |
| Anti | Against, opposed to | Ἀντί (Anti) |
| Apocalypse | Revelation | Ἀποκάλυψις (Apokalypsis) |
| Apostrophe | Mark or figure of speech | ἀποστροφή (Apostrophē) |
| Archaeo | Ancient, original | ἀρχαῖος (Archaio) |
| Archaeology | Study of ancient things | ἀρχαιολογία (Archaeologia) |
| Archangel | Chief angel | ἀρχάγγελος (Archangelos) |
| Arche | Beginning, principle | ἀρχή (Arche) |
| Archetype | Original model | ἀρχέτυπον (Archetypon) |
| Aristocracy | Rule by elite | ἀριστοκρατία (Aristokratia) |
| Auto- | Self | αὐτο- (Auto-) |
| Autocracy | Rule by one | αὐτοκρατία (Autokratia) |
| Axioms | Self-evident truths | ἀξίωμα (Axioma) |
| Chaos | Disorder | χάος (Chaos) |
| Dialectics | Method of argument | διαλεκτική (Dialektikē) |
| Dialectic | Logical argument | διαλεκτική (Dialektikē) |
| Dialogue | Conversation | διάλογος (Dialogos) |
| Dialogues | Multiple conversations | διάλογοι (Dialogoi) |
| Dogma | Accepted belief | δόγμα (Dogma) |
| Eidos | Form, essence | εἶδος (Eidos) |
| Ethics | Study of morality | ἠθική (Ethikē) |
| Ethos | Character, guiding beliefs | ἦθος (Ethos) |
| Eu | Good, well | εὖ (Eu) |
| Eudaimonia | Human flourishing | εὐδαιμονία (Eudaimonia) |
| Fantasy | Imaginative thought | φαντασία (Phantasia) |
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration | ὑπερβολή (Hyperbolē) |
| Idea | Thought, concept | ἰδέα (Idea) |
| Logos | Reason, word | λόγος (Logos) |
| Logic | System of reasoning | λογική (Logikē) |
| Mnemonic | Memory aid | μνημονικός (Mnēmonikos) |
| Nicomachean | Related to Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics | Νικομαχείος (Nicomacheios) |
| Ontology | Study of being | ὀντολογία (Ontologia) |
| Paradigm | Model, example | παράδειγμα (Paradeigma) |
| Paradox | Contradictory statement | παράδοξον (Paradoxon) |
| Paradoxes | Multiple contradictions | παράδοξα (Paradoxa) |
| Philo- | Love, affinity | φιλο- (Philo-) |
| Philanthropy | Love of humanity | φιλανθρωπία (Philanthropia) |
| Philosopher | Seeker of wisdom | φιλόσοφος (Philosophos) |
| Philosophers | Multiple thinkers | φιλόσοφοι (Philosophoi) |
| Philosophical | Related to philosophy | φιλοσοφικός (Philosophikos) |
| Philosophy | Study of knowledge and existence | φιλοσοφία (Philosophia) |
| Phobia | Irrational fear | φοβία (Phobia) |
| Phobic | Having a fear | φοβικός (Phobikos) |
| Sophia | Wisdom | σοφία (Sophia) |
| Sophistry | Deceptive reasoning | σοφιστεία (Sophisteia) |
| Socratic | Related to Socrates | Σωκρατικός (Sōkratikos) |
| Symbolism | Use of symbols | συμβολισμός (Symbolismos) |
| Symmetry | Balanced proportions | συμμετρία (Symmetria) |
| Symposium | Academic meeting | συμπόσιον (Symposion) |
| Systematic | Methodical | συστηματικός (Systematikos) |
| Tactic | Strategy, plan | τακτική (Taktikē) |
| Theory | Contemplation, speculation | θεωρία (Theoria) |
| Theorems | Proven propositions | θεωρήματα (Theoremata) |
| Theorist | One who develops theories | θεωρητής (Theorētēs) |
| Theorized | Formulated a theory | θεωρηθέν (Theorēthén) |
| Utopia | Ideal place | Οὐτοπία (Utopia) |
| Authenticity | Genuineness | ἀυθεντικότητα (Authentikótēta) |
| Empirical | Based on observation | ἐμπειρικός (Empeirikós) |
| Epistemology | Study of knowledge | ἐπιστημολογία (Epistēmologia) |
| Hedonism | Pursuit of pleasure | ἡδονισμός (Hēdonismós) |
| Hypothesis | Proposed explanation | ὑπόθεσις (Hypóthesis) |
| Hypothetical | Based on assumption | ὑποθετικός (Hypothetikós) |
| Ideas | Thoughts, concepts | ἰδέες (Idees) |
| Method | Way, procedure | μέθοδος (Methodos) |
| Methodology | Study of methods | μεθοδολογία (Methodologia) |
| Neologism | New word or term | νεολογισμός (Neologismós) |
| Phenomenology | Study of experience | φαινομενολογία (Phainomenologia) |
Mythology & Culture
| Word | Explanation | Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Acrobat | Performer skilled in gymnastic feats | ἀκροβάτης (Akrobátēs) |
| Acropolis | Upper city, fortified part of a city | Ἀκρόπολις (Akrópolis) |
| Aeolian | Related to Aeolus, god of winds | Αἰολικός (Aiolikos) |
| Aeronaut | Air traveler | ἀεροναύτης (Aeronautēs) |
| Aegis | Protection, shield of Zeus | Αἰγίς (Aigis) |
| Amphitheater | Circular or oval theater | ἀμφιθέατρον (Amphitheatron) |
| Amphitheatre | Variant of amphitheater | ἀμφιθέατρον (Amphitheatron) |
| Andromeda | Mythical princess | Ἀνδρομέδα (Androméda) |
| Anthology | Collection of works | ἀνθολογία (Anthologia) |
| Archangel | Chief angel | ἀρχάγγελος (Archangelos) |
| Athena | Goddess of wisdom | Ἀθηνᾶ (Athēnâ) |
| Athletic | Related to physical competition | ἀθλητικός (Athlētikós) |
| Atlas | Titan holding the sky | Ἄτλας (Atlas) |
| Chaos | Primordial void | χάος (Chaos) |
| Epic | Long heroic poem | ἐπος (Epos) |
| Epicure | Lover of pleasure | Ἐπίκουρος (Epikouros) |
| Erotic | Related to love | ἐρωτικός (Erotikós) |
| Eucharist | Holy communion | εὐχαριστία (Eucharistia) |
| Gospel | Good news, religious text | εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion) |
| Herculean | Extremely strong | Ἡρακλείος (Hērakleios) |
| Hercules | Hero of Greek mythology | Ἡρακλῆς (Hēraklēs) |
| Hero | Brave figure | ἥρως (Hērōs) |
| Heroes | Multiple heroic figures | ἥρωες (Hērōes) |
| Hymn | Religious song | ὕμνος (Hymnos) |
| Hymns | Multiple religious songs | ὕμνοι (Hymnoi) |
| Icon | Religious image | εἰκών (Eikōn) |
| Nike | Goddess of victory | Νίκη (Nikē) |
| Olympus | Mountain of gods | Ὄλυμπος (Olympos) |
| Panorama | Complete view | πανόραμα (Panórama) |
| Panther | Large feline | πάνθηρ (Pánthēr) |
| Panthers | Multiple large felines | πάνθηρες (Pánthēres) |
| Paradise | Ideal place | παράδεισος (Paradeisos) |
| Paradeisos | Garden, paradise | παράδεισος (Paradeisos) |
| Phrygian | Related to Phrygia | Φρυγικός (Phrygikos) |
| Prophet | Religious seer | προφήτης (Prophētēs) |
| Sacrament | Religious ceremony | μυστήριο (Mystērion) |
| Sanctuary | Sacred place | ἱερόν (Hierón) |
| Sycophant | Flatterer, informer | συκοφάντης (Sykophántēs) |
| Symphony | Harmonious sound | συμφωνία (Symphōnia) |
| Tragedy | Serious drama with unhappy ending | τραγῳδία (Tragōidia) |
| Zeus | King of gods | Ζεύς (Zeús) |
Technology & Modern Coinages
| Word | Explanation | Greek Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustics | Study of sound | ἀκουστικός (akoustikos) |
| Aeronaut | Air traveler | ἀήρ (aēr) + ναύτης (nautēs) |
| Auto- | Self | αὐτός (autos) |
| Bio | Life | βίος (bios) |
| Biopsy | Examination of living tissue | βίος (bios) + ὄψις (opsis) |
| Cataloged | Listed systematically | κατά (kata) + λόγος (logos) |
| Centre | Middle point | κέντρον (kentron) |
| Chemical | Relating to chemistry | χημεία (chēmeia) |
| Crypto | Hidden, secret | κρυπτός (kryptos) |
| Crystal | Clear, transparent solid | κρύσταλλος (krystallos) |
| Cyber | Related to computers or control | κυβερνήτης (kybernētēs) |
| Dehydrate | Remove water | ὑδρ- (hydr) + ἀφαίρω (aphaírō) |
| Electronic | Using electrons | ἤλεκτρον (ēlektron) |
| Electric | Producing electricity | ἤλεκτρον (ēlektron) |
| Exa | 10¹⁸ (prefix) | ἔξ (ex, “out”) |
| Giga | 10⁹ (prefix) | γίγας (gigas, “giant”) |
| Hydr | Water | ὕδωρ (hydōr) |
| Hydration | Adding water | ὕδωρ (hydōr) |
| Macro- | Large | μακρός (makros) |
| Mega- | Million, great | μέγας (megas) |
| Meta- | Beyond, after | μετά (meta) |
| Micro- | Small | μικρός (mikros) |
| Mono | Single | μόνος (monos) |
| Neo- | New | νέος (neos) |
| Optics | Study of vision/light | ὀπτική (optikē) |
| Parabolic | Curved shape, reflective | παραβολή (parabolē) |
| Photo- | Light | φῶς (phōs) |
| Photograph | Image made with light | φῶς (phōs) + γράφω (graphō) |
| Planet | Wandering star | πλανήτης (planētēs) |
| Polymorphic | Many forms | πολύς (polys) + μορφή (morphē) |
| Pseudo- | False | ψευδής (pseudēs) |
| Pseudonym | False name | ψευδώνυμος (pseudōnymos) |
| Pseudoscience | False science | ψευδής (pseudēs) + ἐπιστήμη (epistēmē) |
| Radio | Transmission by waves | ῥαδιο- (radio, from ῥαδῐον, “ray”) |
| Radiologist | Specialist in imaging | ῥαδιο- (radio) + λόγος (logos) |
| Scope | Instrument for viewing | σκοπέω (skopeō) |
| Sphere | Round shape | σφαῖρα (sphaira) |
| Stereo | Solid, 3D | στερεός (stereos) |
| Techno | Skill, art, craft | τέχνη (technē) |
| Technical | Relating to skill/art | τέχνη (technē) |
| Technology | Study of skill or craft | τέχνη (technē) + λόγος (logos) |
| Technique | Method of doing something | τέχνη (technē) |
| Techniques | Methods | τέχνη (technē) |
| Telemetry | Remote measurement | τῆλε (tēle) + μέτρον (metron) |
| Telephone | Distant sound | τῆλε (tēle) + φωνή (phōnē) |
| Telescope | Instrument to see far | τῆλε (tēle) + σκοπέω (skopeō) |
| Telescopic | Relating to telescope | τῆλε (tēle) + σκοπέω (skopeō) |
| Television | Seeing far | τῆλε (tēle) + βλέπω (blepō) |
| Tera | 10¹² (prefix) | τέρας (teras, “monster/giant”) |
| Thermo | Heat | θερμός (thermos) |
| Thermodynamics | Heat and motion | θερμός (thermos) + δύναμις (dynamis) |
| Thermometer | Measures temperature | θερμός (thermos) + μέτρον (metron) |
| Yotta | 10²⁴ (prefix) | ὀκτώ (okto, “eight” – from metric system) |
| Zetta | 10²¹ (prefix) | ζῆτα (zēta) |
Note: almost all words that start with “PH” are of Greek origin!
Some samples of English texts
(Bolded and underlined words are of Greek origin, all unchanged in time, and most importantly, easily understood by any uneducated Greek)
Sample 1
The cosmos, an extensive expanse, is the domain of astronomers who explore the phenomena of the celestial. Using telescopes, these scientists examine the orbits and magnitudes of various planets and stars. In the microcosm, biologists study organisms, analyzing their anatomy and physiology to understand abiogenesis, symbiosis, and metabolism within ecosystems.
In the realm of medicine, diagnosis and therapy are paramount. Physicians use clinical methods to identify symptoms and prescribe pharmacological remedies. Pathologists investigate the etiology of diseases, often employing microscopy to observe cellular pathology via biopsy. The synthesis of antibiotics has revolutionized the prognosis of bacterial infections.
Physics, another fundamental science, delves into the dynamics of energy and matter. The study of mechanics, optics, and acoustics has led to innovations in technology. Meanwhile, chemists explore the properties and reactions of chemical elements, discovering catalysts that accelerate synthesis processes.
In geology, the stratigraphy of the Earth is examined, revealing the chronology of tectonic activities. Seismologists monitor seismic waves to predict earthquakes, safeguarding populations from potential catastrophes. Paleontologists, on the other hand, unearth fossils, contributing to the chronology of life on Earth.
Psychology, a discipline examining the psyche(soul), focuses on cognition and behavior. Psychiatrists treat mental disorders, utilizing psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. The synergy of these sciences enhances our comprehension of the natural and human world, fostering a symbiotic relationship between knowledge and application.
Sample 2
Philosophy is a profound discipline that examines the fundamental nature of existence, knowledge, and ethics. Philosophers engage in dialectics, employing logic and reason to explore metaphysical questions about reality and ontology. The dialogues of Socrates, as documented by Plato, remain seminal texts in epistemology and ethics.
Metaphysics, a branch of philosophy, delves into the essence of being and the cosmos. It addresses questions of substance, causality, and the infinite. Epistemology investigates the nature and scope of knowledge and belief, differentiating between empirical and a priori knowledge.
Ethics, or moral philosophy, explores the concepts of virtue, justice, and the good life. Aristotle‘s Nicomachean Ethics offers a systematic examination of virtue ethics, proposing that eudaimonia, or human flourishing, is achieved through the cultivation of moral and intellectual virtues.
Aesthetics, another vital branch, analyzes the nature of beauty, art, and taste. Plato‘s theory of forms posits that aesthetic qualities are reflections of ideal forms. Aristotle‘s Poetics dissects the elements of tragedy and dramatic structure, influencing literary criticism for centuries.
The Socratic method, characterized by elenchus or refutation, is a form of dialectical inquiry that seeks to expose contradictions in an interlocutor’s arguments, promoting philosophical clarity and self-examination. Heraclitus and Parmenides contributed significantly to the ontology and cosmology debates, with their doctrines on change and permanence.
In the modern era, phenomenology, founded by Edmund Husserl, investigates the structures of consciousness and intentionality. Existentialism, with figures like Sartre and Heidegger, explores the human condition, freedom, and authenticity.
The study of philosophy remains essential for the comprehension of abstract concepts and the development of critical thinking. Through analysis, synthesis, and speculation, philosophers continue to contribute to the intellectual tradition and the quest for wisdom.
And an extreme example, understood by Academics
The philosopher and theorist utilized logic and ethics in their analysis of the cosmos. In their dialogue, they explored phenomena and ideas of metaphysics and epistemology. The dynamic synthesis of theories on psychology and aesthetics created a paradox in the paradigm of democracy and autonomy.
Their methodology included techniques of dialectics and rhetoric, aiming to achieve symmetry and harmony in their systematic hypothesis. The philosopher‘s critique of dogma emphasized the importance of rational analysis and empirical criteria. They debated the axioms of geometry and mathematics, focusing on the axiomatic principles and logic.
In ethics, the philosopher examined virtue, charisma, and hedonism, proposing a synthesis of principles for eudaimonia. The cosmopolitan ethos integrated aspects of democracy, autonomy, and sympathy. The philosopher‘s systematic approach combined hypothesis, theorem, and axiom, striving for clarity and coherence.
The scholar presented their thesis in a symposium, utilizing logic and rhetoric to convey the dynamic interplay of ideas and theories. They emphasized the synthesis of philosophical concepts, promoting dialogue and debate for the development of knowledge and wisdom.
Surprised? Don’t worry, you still have the rest of the words…but wait, 90% of the rest are Latin (directly or via French)! Αlso, you use the Latin alphabet, which, in turn, is a variation of the Ancient Greek Alphabet used in Euboea.
These Euboeans were the first colonists of Italy, and they brought their alphabet along, which was later adopted by Rome.
All of these words are of Greek (Hellenic) origin
Estimates suggest that over 150,000 English words, directly or indirectly, come from Greek (source: www.britishcouncil.org).
Seeing how many words you already know, it’s almost like being a native Greek speaker—without even realizing it!
Back to full post: https://atcorfu.com/you-speak-greek-you-just-dont-know-it/
Comments