εκπαίδευση
Lemma: εκπαίδευση
Translation: education; training; instruction (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐκπαίδευσις (ekpaídeusis), derived from the verb ἐκπαιδεύω (ekpaideúō) meaning 'to educate thoroughly'. The prefix 'εκ-' (ek-) intensifies the meaning of 'παιδεύω' (paideúō, 'to educate'), which comes from 'παῖς' (paîs, 'child'). The English word 'pedagogy' shares the same root 'paid-' referring to children and education.
Example Usage
Η εκπαίδευση είναι δωρεάν στην Ελλάδα.
Education is free in Greece.
Χρειάζεται ειδική εκπαίδευση για αυτή τη δουλειά.
Special training is needed for this job.
Το Υπουργείο Παιδείας και Θρησκευμάτων είναι υπεύθυνο για την εκπαίδευση.
The Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs is responsible for education.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ek-paid-efsi' where 'paid' sounds like 'pedagogy' (teaching children)
- The 'εκ' prefix intensifies the meaning - it's not just education but thorough education
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Education (εκπαίδευση) is highly valued in Greek society. The Greek education system consists of primary (δημοτικό), secondary (γυμνάσιο and λύκειο), and higher education (πανεπιστήμιο). University entrance exams (πανελλήνιες εξετάσεις) are particularly important cultural milestones for Greek students.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'εκπαίδευση' refers specifically to formal education or training, 'παιδεία' has a broader meaning encompassing culture, education, and intellectual development.
Confused word:
Η παιδεία είναι απαραίτητη για την πρόοδο της κοινωνίας.
Cultural education is essential for society's progress.
Notes: In everyday speech, these terms can sometimes be used interchangeably, but 'παιδεία' carries more cultural and philosophical connotations.
Mnemonic: 'Εκπαίδευση' has 'εκ' (out) + 'παιδεία', suggesting a more specific, formalized extraction of knowledge.
Explanation: 'Εκπαίδευση' refers to the process of education or training, while 'μόρφωση' emphasizes the result - being educated or cultivated.
This word:
Η εκπαίδευση στο πανεπιστήμιο διαρκεί τέσσερα χρόνια.
University education lasts four years.
Confused word:
Έχει υψηλή μόρφωση και μιλάει τρεις γλώσσες.
He is highly educated and speaks three languages.
Notes: Both terms are positive and valued in Greek society.
Mnemonic: Think of 'εκπαίδευση' as the journey (training process) and 'μόρφωση' as the destination (being educated).