εισαγωγή
Lemma: εισαγωγή
Translation: introduction; import; admission; entry; preface (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek εἰσαγωγή (eisagōgḗ), from the verb εἰσάγω (eiságō) meaning 'to lead in, introduce', which is composed of the prefix εἰς- (eis-, 'into') and ἄγω (ágō, 'to lead, drive'). The English word 'isagoge' (an introduction to a field of study) comes directly from this Greek root, though it's rarely used today. The structure of the word reflects its meaning: bringing something (or someone) into a place or context.
Example Usage
Η εισαγωγή του βιβλίου είναι πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα.
The introduction of the book is very interesting.
Η Ελλάδα βασίζεται στην εισαγωγή πετρελαίου.
Greece relies on oil imports.
Η εισαγωγή στο πανεπιστήμιο απαιτεί υψηλή βαθμολογία.
Admission to the university requires high grades.
Έγραψε μια σύντομη εισαγωγή για την ομιλία του.
He wrote a brief introduction for his speech.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'εισ-' as 'in' or 'into' and '-αγωγή' as 'leading' – so it's about leading something in (introducing or importing).
- Connect it with 'pedagogy' (παιδαγωγική) which also ends with '-αγωγή' – while pedagogy is about leading children in education, εισαγωγή is about leading things in generally.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek economic contexts, 'εισαγωγή' commonly refers to importing goods, which is significant for Greece as a country that imports many products. In academic settings, it refers to introductions to texts or admission to educational institutions. The term 'εισαγωγικές εξετάσεις' (entrance exams) is particularly important in Greek education, referring to the highly competitive national exams for university admission.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'εισαγωγή' means bringing something in (importing, introducing), 'εξαγωγή' means taking something out (exporting, extraction). They are direct opposites formed with the contrasting prefixes 'εισ-' (in) and 'εξ-' (out).
Confused word:
Η εξαγωγή ελαιολάδου είναι σημαντική για την οικονομία.
The export of olive oil is important for the economy.
Notes: Both terms are commonly used in economic and business contexts in Greece.
Mnemonic: Remember: εισαγωγή has 'εισ-' like 'in' for imports; εξαγωγή has 'εξ-' like 'ex-' for exports.
Explanation: 'Εισαγωγή' contains 'αγωγή' but adds the prefix 'εισ-' meaning 'into'. While 'εισαγωγή' refers to introduction or import, 'αγωγή' on its own means education, upbringing, or legal action/lawsuit.
Confused word:
Η σωστή αγωγή των παιδιών είναι σημαντική.
The proper upbringing of children is important.
Notes: 'Αγωγή' can also refer to a lawsuit in legal contexts, which is a completely different meaning from 'εισαγωγή'.
Mnemonic: Think of 'αγωγή' as the basic concept of 'leading' or 'guiding', while 'εισαγωγή' specifically means leading something in.