έλεγχος
Lemma: έλεγχος
Translation: control; check; inspection; audit; examination; verification; supervision (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἔλεγχος (elegkhos) meaning 'cross-examination, test, proof'. The root is related to the verb ἐλέγχω (elegkho) 'to examine, test, convict'. This connects to English words like 'elegiac' (originally relating to verses of lamentation that 'tested' or examined grief). The word has maintained its core meaning of systematic examination across millennia, making it a direct semantic descendant rather than a borrowed term.
Example Usage
Ο αστυνομικός έκανε έλεγχο ταυτότητας.
The police officer performed an identity check.
Η κατάσταση είναι υπό έλεγχο.
The situation is under control.
Το αυτοκίνητο χρειάζεται τεχνικό έλεγχο.
The car needs a technical inspection.
Η εταιρεία υποβλήθηκε σε οικονομικό έλεγχο.
The company underwent a financial audit.
Ο έλεγχος ποιότητας είναι σημαντικός.
Quality control is important.
Έχασε τον έλεγχο του αυτοκινήτου.
He lost control of the car.
Κάνουν έλεγχο στα σύνορα.
They are doing checks at the border.
Mnemonics
- Think 'elegant check' - an elegant way to remember that έλεγχος means a systematic check or control
- The 'elench-' sound resembles 'clench' - you clench control over something
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Widely used in bureaucratic, business, and administrative contexts in Greece. Often appears in official documents, news reports about government oversight, and workplace discussions about quality control or management supervision.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: έλεγχος is the abstract noun (control/check), while ελεγκτής is the person who performs the control (controller/auditor)
This word:
Ο έλεγχος των λογαριασμών διαρκεί μία εβδομάδα.
The audit of the accounts lasts one week.
Notes: Both derive from the same root but have different grammatical roles and meanings
Mnemonic: έλεγχος ends in -ος (thing), ελεγκτής ends in -ής (person)