αντέχω
Lemma: αντέχω
Translation: to endure; to withstand; to bear; to tolerate; to resist; to hold out; to last (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἀντέχω (antékhō), composed of ἀντί (antí, 'against') + ἔχω (ékhō, 'to have, hold'). The core meaning is 'to hold against' something, whether physical force, emotional stress, or time itself. This compound structure mirrors English 'withstand' (with + stand) and 'resist' (re + sistere 'to stand'). The ἔχω root is cognate with English 'have' through Proto-Indo-European *seǵʰ-. The prefix ἀντί appears in English borrowings like 'anti-' and 'antithesis'.
Example Usage
Δεν αντέχω άλλο αυτή την κατάσταση.
I can't endure this situation any longer.
Το κτίριο άντεξε τον σεισμό.
The building withstood the earthquake.
Αντέχεις τη ζέστη;
Can you tolerate the heat?
Η μπαταρία αντέχει περίπου τρεις ώρες.
The battery lasts about three hours.
Δεν αντέχω να σε βλέπω να υποφέρεις.
I can't bear to see you suffering.
Αυτά τα παπούτσια αντέχουν πολλά χρόνια.
These shoes last for many years.
Δεν ξέρω αν θα αντέξω μέχρι το τέλος της ταινίας.
I don't know if I'll last until the end of the movie.
Δεν αντέχω άλλο αυτόν τον θόρυβο.
I can't stand this noise anymore.
Το κτίριο άντεξε στον σεισμό.
The building withstood the earthquake.
Αντέχεις να περιμένεις λίγο ακόμα;
Can you bear to wait a little longer?
Πόσο καιρό θα αντέξει η μπαταρία;
How long will the battery last?
Mnemonics
- Think 'anti-echo' - standing against something that keeps coming back
- Remember 'anti' (against) + 'echo' (have/hold) = hold against pressure
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Frequently used in Greek culture when discussing perseverance through hardships, whether personal struggles, economic difficulties, or physical challenges. Often appears in contexts of Greek resilience and endurance, reflecting cultural values of persistence.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both mean 'to resist' but αντέχω focuses on enduring/withstanding while αντιστέκομαι emphasizes active opposition or fighting back
This word:
Αντέχω τον πόνο.
I endure the pain.
Confused word:
Αντιστέκομαι στην πίεση.
I resist the pressure.
Notes: αντέχω is more passive endurance, αντιστέκομαι is active resistance
Mnemonic: αντέχω = holding steady like a rock; αντιστέκομαι = actively pushing back