απομακρύνω
Lemma: απομακρύνω
Translation: to remove; to distance; to move away; to take away (verb)
Etymology: From the prefix 'από-' (apo-, meaning 'away from') + 'μακρύνω' (makrýno, 'to lengthen, to extend'), which derives from 'μακρύς' (makrýs, 'long, distant'). The root 'μακρ-' is related to the ancient Greek 'μακρός' (makrós), which shares the same Indo-European root as English words like 'macro' (large-scale) and 'macroscopic'.
Example Usage
Παρακαλώ απομακρύνετε τα οχήματά σας από την είσοδο.
Please remove your vehicles from the entrance.
Πρέπει να απομακρύνουμε τα επικίνδυνα υλικά.
We need to remove the dangerous materials.
Απομακρύνθηκε από την οικογένειά του τα τελευταία χρόνια.
He has distanced himself from his family in recent years.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'από' (apo) as 'away' and 'μακρύς' (makrys) as 'long/far' – so you're making something 'far away'.
- Connect it with English 'macro' (large) – when you remove something, you're creating a larger distance between it and you.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
This verb is commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts in Greek. It appears frequently in official announcements, instructions, and warnings when something needs to be removed or when people need to distance themselves from a location or situation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'απομακρύνω' means 'to remove' or 'to distance' (transitive, acting on something else), 'αποχωρώ' means 'to depart' or 'to withdraw' (intransitive, acting on oneself).
Notes: 'Απομακρύνω' is often used with objects (removing something), while 'αποχωρώ' is used for people leaving places or positions.
Mnemonic: 'Απομακρύνω' has 'μακρ' (like 'macro') suggesting making distance between things, while 'αποχωρώ' has 'χωρ' (like 'chorus') suggesting a group that someone leaves.
Explanation: 'Απομακρύνω' emphasizes creating distance or removing something from a location, while 'αφαιρώ' emphasizes taking something away completely or subtraction.
Notes: 'Αφαιρώ' is often used in mathematics for subtraction, while 'απομακρύνω' is more about physical or emotional distancing.
Mnemonic: Think of 'απομακρύνω' as creating distance ('μακρ' = far), while 'αφαιρώ' is about taking away ('αφ-αιρώ' sounds like 'off-air').