δέος
Lemma: δέος
Translation: awe; fear; reverence; dread (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek δέος (déos). Related to the Proto-Indo-European root *dwei- meaning 'to fear'. This root is connected to the concept of divine fear or religious awe, which explains its modern connotation of reverential fear rather than simple terror.
Example Usage
Με κατέλαβε δέος μπροστά στο μεγαλείο της φύσης.
I was overcome with awe before nature's grandeur.
Ένιωσε δέος μπαίνοντας στον αρχαίο ναό.
He felt reverence entering the ancient temple.
Στεκόμαστε με δέος μπροστά στο μεγαλείο της φύσης.
We stand in awe before the majesty of nature.
Το δέος που ένιωσε μπαίνοντας στον αρχαίο ναό ήταν απερίγραπτο.
The awe he felt entering the ancient temple was indescribable.
Το θέαμα προκάλεσε δέος στους θεατές.
The spectacle inspired awe in the viewers.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'deity' - δέος often relates to fear or awe of divine or powerful things
- Sounds like 'day-os' - imagine the dawning of a day inspiring awe
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used in religious or formal contexts, particularly when describing feelings toward sacred or powerful entities. Common in literature and formal speech.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: δέος means 'awe/fear' while θέος means 'God'
Confused word:
Πιστεύει στο θέο.
He believes in God.
Notes: These words often appear in similar contexts due to their religious/spiritual connections
Mnemonic: δέος has a δ (delta) for 'dread', while θέος has a θ (theta) for 'theology'