διευθυντής
Lemma: διευθυντής
Translation: director; manager; principal; head; administrator (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek διευθύνω (dieuthunoō) meaning 'to set straight, direct, manage', composed of διά (dia) 'through' + εὐθύνω (euthunoō) 'to straighten, guide'. The suffix -τής (-tis) indicates the agent or doer. Related to English 'direct' through Latin directus, sharing the concept of 'straight guidance'. The word emphasizes the role of steering or guiding something in the right direction, making it memorable as someone who 'directs through' situations.
Example Usage
Ο διευθυντής του σχολείου καλεί τους γονείς.
The school principal is calling the parents.
Η διευθυντής της εταιρείας παρουσίασε τα αποτελέσματα.
The company director presented the results.
Θα μιλήσω με τον διευθυντή για αυτό το θέμα.
I will speak with the manager about this issue.
Η διευθύντρια της εταιρείας παρουσίασε τα αποτελέσματα.
The company director presented the results.
Mnemonics
- Think 'direct' + 'hints' - a director gives direct hints about what to do
- Di-eu-thyn-tis sounds like 'the youth in this' - the director guides the youth in the organization
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek organizations, the διευθυντής holds significant authority and respect. In schools, the διευθυντής is the principal and is addressed very formally. In business contexts, this title carries considerable prestige and responsibility.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: διευθυντής is the person (director), while διευθυντήριο is the office or board of directors
Notes: Both come from the same root but serve different grammatical functions
Mnemonic: διευθυντής ends in -ής (person), διευθυντήριο ends in -ιο (place/thing)