αφορώ
Lemma: αφορώ
Translation: to concern; to regard; to relate to; to pertain to (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἀφοράω (aphoráō), composed of the prefix ἀπό (apó, 'from, away') and the verb ὁράω (horáō, 'to see, to look'). Originally meaning 'to look away from' or 'to look toward', it evolved to mean 'to regard' or 'to concern'. The semantic shift from visual perception to conceptual relation is similar to English 'regard' which also has visual origins.
Example Usage
Αυτό το θέμα αφορά όλους μας.
This issue concerns all of us.
Όσον αφορά την πρότασή σας, θα την εξετάσουμε προσεκτικά.
Regarding your proposal, we will examine it carefully.
Οι νέοι κανονισμοί αφορούν μόνο τις μεγάλες επιχειρήσεις.
The new regulations only concern large businesses.
Αυτό αφορά όλους μας.
This concerns all of us.
Όσον αφορά το θέμα της συνάντησης, θα συζητήσουμε αύριο.
Regarding the meeting topic, we will discuss tomorrow.
Η απόφαση αφορά μόνο τους εργαζόμενους της εταιρείας.
The decision only concerns the employees of the company.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'a-FOR-o' as something that is 'FOR' someone or something - it concerns or relates to them.
- Connect with English 'afore' (before) to remember it deals with what's in front of you or what concerns you.
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in formal contexts, especially in legal, administrative, and academic language. Often appears in phrases like 'όσον αφορά' (as far as it concerns) which is a standard way to introduce a topic in formal speech or writing.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'αφορώ' means 'to concern/regard', 'αφαιρώ' means 'to subtract/remove'. They look similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: The stress falls on different syllables: αφοΡΏ vs αφαιΡΏ, which can help distinguish them in speech.
Mnemonic: 'Αφορώ' has 'ορώ' (see) in it - you see what concerns you; 'αφαιρώ' has 'αιρώ' (take) - you take something away.
Explanation: 'Αφορώ' means 'to concern/regard' while 'φορώ' means 'to wear'. 'Αφορώ' has the prefix 'α-' which changes the meaning completely.
Confused word:
Φορώ ένα καινούργιο παλτό.
I am wearing a new coat.
Notes: The prefix 'α-' in Greek often changes the meaning significantly, as it does here.
Mnemonic: Think of 'φορώ' as 'for wearing' and 'αφορώ' as 'for concerning'.