διαγράφω
Lemma: διαγράφω
Translation: to delete; to erase; to cross out; to outline; to describe; to expel (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek διαγράφω (diagráphō), composed of the prefix δια- (dia-, 'through, across') and γράφω (gráphō, 'to write'). The original meaning was 'to mark out by lines, delineate' and later evolved to include 'to cross out, erase'. The English words 'diagram' and 'graphic' share the same root γράφω. The prefix δια- gives the sense of something being done thoroughly or completely, hence the modern meaning of complete removal or erasure.
Example Usage
Διέγραψα όλα τα μηνύματα από το κινητό μου.
I deleted all the messages from my mobile phone.
Ο καθηγητής διέγραψε τη λάθος απάντηση από τον πίνακα.
The teacher erased the wrong answer from the board.
Το κόμμα διέγραψε το μέλος λόγω παραβίασης των κανόνων.
The party expelled the member due to violation of the rules.
Η εταιρεία διαγράφει μια νέα πορεία μετά την αλλαγή διοίκησης.
The company is outlining a new course after the change in management.
Mnemonics
- Think 'dia-graph' (through-write) as writing through something to cross it out.
- Connect with 'diagram' in English - both involve marking or drawing lines.
- The 'dia' prefix means 'through' - imagine drawing a line through text to delete it.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In modern Greek digital culture, this verb is commonly used when referring to deleting files, messages, or accounts on electronic devices and social media. In academic or organizational contexts, it can refer to expelling someone from a group or institution.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While διαγράφω can mean 'to delete/erase' or 'to outline', περιγράφω means 'to describe' in detail. They share the root γράφω but have different prefixes that change the meaning.
This word:
Διέγραψα το λογαριασμό μου στα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης.
I deleted my social media account.
Confused word:
Περιέγραψε με λεπτομέρεια τι συνέβη στο ατύχημα.
He described in detail what happened in the accident.
Notes: In some contexts, διαγράφω can also mean 'to outline' which makes it closer to περιγράφω, but the primary modern usage is 'to delete'.
Mnemonic: διαγράφω has 'δια' (through) - think of drawing through something to erase it; περιγράφω has 'περι' (around) - think of describing something by going around all its aspects.
Explanation: γράφω simply means 'to write', while διαγράφω typically means 'to delete/erase' or 'to outline'. διαγράφω is a compound form with the prefix δια- changing the meaning significantly.
Notes: The prefix δια- completely changes the meaning from creation (writing) to removal (erasing).
Mnemonic: διαγράφω has the prefix 'δια' which transforms the act of writing (γράφω) into its opposite - removing writing.