άκρη
Lemma: άκρη
Translation: edge; end; tip; extremity; border; margin; brink (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἄκρος (akros) meaning 'topmost, extreme, at the point or edge'. This root appears in many English words like 'acrobat' (one who walks on tiptoe), 'acronym' (words formed from the tips/first letters), 'acropolis' (high city), and 'acrophobia' (fear of heights). The word has maintained its core meaning of extremity or outermost point throughout its evolution from ancient to modern Greek.
Example Usage
Κάθισε στην άκρη του κρεβατιού.
He sat on the edge of the bed.
Βάλε το βιβλίο στην άκρη του τραπεζιού.
Put the book at the edge of the table.
Δεν μπορώ να βγάλω άκρη με αυτό το πρόβλημα.
I can't make sense of this problem.
Βάζω λεφτά στην άκρη για διακοπές.
I'm putting money aside for vacation.
Πήγαινε στην άκρη του δρόμου.
Go to the side of the road.
Βάλε τα χρήματα στην άκρη για δύσκολες μέρες.
Put the money aside for difficult days.
Η άκρη του νησιού είναι πολύ όμορφη.
The tip of the island is very beautiful.
Στην άκρη του τραπεζιού.
At the edge of the table.
Έφτασα στην άκρη της υπομονής μου.
I've reached the end of my patience.
Η άκρη του δρόμου.
The end of the road.
Φτάσαμε στην άκρη της πόλης.
We reached the edge of the city.
Είμαι στην άκρη της υπομονής μου.
I'm at the end of my patience.
Mnemonics
- Think 'acrobat' - someone who performs at the edge of danger, using their skill at the 'tips' of their abilities
- Remember 'acronym' - letters from the 'tips' (beginnings) of words
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in everyday Greek to describe physical edges and boundaries, as well as metaphorically for limits or extremes. Often appears in expressions about being at the edge of something, both literally and figuratively.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: άκρη is feminine and often refers to edges or sides, while άκρο is neuter and typically refers to tips or extremities of objects
Confused word:
Το άκρο του δακτύλου μου πονάει.
The tip of my finger hurts.
Notes: Both come from the same root but have slightly different usage patterns in modern Greek
Mnemonic: άκρη (feminine) for edges and borders, άκρο (neuter) for tips and points