δίκαιο
Lemma: δίκαιο
Translation: law; justice; right; legal system (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek δίκαιον (díkaion), the neuter form of the adjective δίκαιος (díkaios, 'just, righteous'), which derives from δίκη (díkē, 'justice, judgment, custom'). The root concept relates to established customs and norms that became the foundation of justice systems. The English words 'justice' and 'judicial' share a distant Indo-European connection, though they came through Latin 'jus' rather than Greek.
Example Usage
Το ελληνικό δίκαιο βασίζεται στο ρωμαϊκό δίκαιο.
Greek law is based on Roman law.
Σπουδάζει δίκαιο στο πανεπιστήμιο.
He is studying law at the university.
Έχεις δίκαιο σε αυτό που λες.
You are right in what you're saying.
Το διεθνές δίκαιο προστατεύει τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα.
International law protects human rights.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'diktat' (an order imposed by authority) to remember δίκαιο relates to law and authority.
- Connect it to the English word 'dictate' - laws dictate what is right and wrong.
- The word sounds a bit like 'decree' which is a type of legal pronouncement.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, the concept of 'δίκαιο' has deep historical roots going back to Ancient Greece, where it was central to philosophical discussions about society and governance. Modern Greeks often invoke the concept when discussing fairness in social and political contexts. The Greek legal system is based on civil law traditions, and legal education and the judiciary hold significant prestige in society.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'δίκαιο' refers to the broader concept of law or justice as a system, 'δίκη' specifically means 'trial' or 'court case'.
Notes: Both words share the same etymological root related to justice.
Mnemonic: Think: δίκαιο (law) is the system, δίκη (trial) is the process within that system.
Explanation: 'Δίκαιο' is the system of law or justice, while 'δικαίωμα' refers to a specific right that someone possesses.
This word:
Το εργατικό δίκαιο ρυθμίζει τις εργασιακές σχέσεις.
Labor law regulates employment relationships.
Confused word:
Έχεις το δικαίωμα να μιλήσεις.
You have the right to speak.
Notes: δικαίωμα often appears in plural (δικαιώματα) when discussing human rights.
Mnemonic: δίκαιο is the whole legal system; δικαίωμα is one specific right within that system.