γένος
Lemma: γένος
Translation: genus; race; kind; gender; family; descent; birth (noun)
Etymology: From Proto-Indo-European *ǵénh₁os. Related to English 'genus', 'gene', 'generate', 'gender'
Mnemonics
- Think of 'genus' in biology classification
- Related to 'gene' - both about heredity and types
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Important concept in Greek philosophy and biology. Also significant in discussions of ancestry and heritage in Greek culture.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While γένος refers to race or kind, γενεά specifically means generation
This word:
Το ανθρώπινο γένος
The human race
Confused word:
Η νέα γενεά
The new generation
Notes: γένος is more abstract and taxonomical, while γενεά is more temporal
Mnemonic: γένος is broader (genus/race), γενεά is narrower (one generation)