ελέγχω
Lemma: ελέγχω
Translation: to control; to check; to inspect; to monitor (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐλέγχω (elénkhō), meaning 'to cross-examine, test, refute'. The root is related to the concept of testing or proving something through examination. This connects to English words like 'elench' (a logical refutation) used in philosophy, though this English cognate is quite rare. The Greek word has maintained its core meaning of examination and verification throughout its evolution, making it central to modern concepts of quality control, auditing, and systematic checking.
Example Usage
Ο γιατρός ελέγχει την πίεσή μου.
The doctor checks my blood pressure.
Πρέπει να ελέγξω τα μηνύματά μου.
I need to check my messages.
Η αστυνομία ελέγχει τα διαβατήρια στα σύνορα.
The police check passports at the border.
Ελέγχω τον εαυτό μου όταν θυμώνω.
I control myself when I get angry.
Ελέγχω την ποιότητα των προϊόντων.
I check the quality of the products.
Δεν μπορώ να ελέγξω την κατάσταση.
I cannot control the situation.
Η αστυνομία ελέγχει τα έγγραφα.
The police are checking the documents.
Mnemonics
- Think 'elegant check' - an elegant way to check something thoroughly
- Remember 'elench' from philosophy - both involve systematic examination
Cultural Context
Widely used in business, administrative, and technical contexts. Common in discussions about quality control, financial auditing, government oversight, and personal self-control. The concept of 'έλεγχος' (control/check) is fundamental in Greek bureaucratic and professional language.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: ελέγχω means to control or check something, while αλλάζω means to change something. The confusion may arise from similar-sounding syllables.
Confused word:
Αλλάζω τα σχέδιά μου.
I change my plans.
Notes: ελέγχω involves oversight without necessarily changing, while αλλάζω specifically involves making something different
Mnemonic: ελέγχω = examine (both start with 'e'), αλλάζω = alter (both start with 'a')