απογοήτευση
Lemma: απογοήτευση
Translation: disappointment; disillusionment; letdown; frustration (noun)
Etymology: From the prefix 'από-' (apo-, meaning 'away from') + 'γοητεύω' (goitevo, to enchant or charm). The word literally means 'a removal of enchantment' or 'disenchantment'. The root 'γοητεία' (goiteia) relates to magic or enchantment in ancient Greek, suggesting that disappointment is like having an illusion or spell broken.
Example Usage
Ένιωσα μεγάλη απογοήτευση όταν ακύρωσαν τη συναυλία.
I felt great disappointment when they canceled the concert.
Η απογοήτευση των φιλάθλων ήταν εμφανής μετά την ήττα της ομάδας.
The fans' disappointment was evident after the team's defeat.
Δεν μπορώ να κρύψω την απογοήτευσή μου για τα αποτελέσματα.
I cannot hide my disappointment about the results.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'από' (away from) + 'γοητεία' (enchantment) = the feeling when enchantment goes away
- Remember it as 'apo-go-i-tefsi' - when something makes you want to 'go away' because you're disappointed
- The 'γοητ' part sounds a bit like 'goat' - imagine a goat that promised to perform tricks but didn't, causing disappointment
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
The concept of 'απογοήτευση' is frequently expressed in Greek culture, often in relation to politics, sports (especially football/soccer), and personal expectations. Greeks tend to be expressive about their disappointments, and the word appears frequently in everyday conversations, news, and social commentary.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'απογοήτευση' refers to disappointment or disillusionment, 'αποθάρρυνση' means discouragement or deterrence. 'Απογοήτευση' is about feeling let down by something, while 'αποθάρρυνση' is about losing courage or motivation.
Confused word:
Η αποθάρρυνση τον έκανε να εγκαταλείψει την προσπάθεια.
Discouragement made him abandon the effort.
Notes: Both words start with 'απο-' (away from) but affect different emotional states.
Mnemonic: 'Απογοήτευση' contains 'γοητ' (like enchantment) - it's about losing the magic feeling, while 'αποθάρρυνση' contains 'θάρρος' (courage) - it's about losing courage.
Explanation: 'Απογοήτευση' is disappointment, which is less intense than 'απελπισία' (despair). Disappointment is a letdown, while despair is a complete loss of hope.
Confused word:
Μετά από χρόνια αποτυχιών, έπεσε σε απελπισία.
After years of failures, he fell into despair.
Notes: 'Απογοήτευση' is much more common in everyday speech for regular setbacks.
Mnemonic: Think of 'απογοήτευση' as a temporary feeling after a letdown, while 'απελπισία' (containing 'ελπίδα' - hope) is the complete absence of hope.