εξακολουθώ
Lemma: εξακολουθώ
Translation: to continue; to persist; to carry on; to keep on (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐξακολουθῶ (exakolouthō), composed of the prefix ἐξ- (ex-, 'out, completely') and ἀκολουθῶ (akolouthō, 'to follow'). The root ἀκολουθῶ comes from ἀκόλουθος (akolouthos, 'follower'), which gives us English words like 'acolyte'. The etymology suggests the sense of 'following through completely' or 'following a path to its conclusion', which evolved into the modern meaning of continuing or persisting with an action.
Example Usage
Εξακολουθώ να πιστεύω ότι θα πετύχουμε.
I continue to believe that we will succeed.
Παρά τις δυσκολίες, εξακολουθεί να δουλεύει σκληρά.
Despite the difficulties, he continues to work hard.
Η βροχή εξακολουθεί να πέφτει από το πρωί.
The rain continues to fall since morning.
Εξακολουθούν να ζουν στο ίδιο σπίτι.
They continue to live in the same house.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ex-acolyte-thō' – like an acolyte (follower) who continues to follow a path completely (ex-).
- The 'ακολουθ' part sounds a bit like 'follow' – you continue to follow something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
This verb is commonly used in both everyday speech and formal contexts. It often appears in news reports, academic writing, and official statements to indicate that a situation or action is ongoing.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'to continue', 'εξακολουθώ' often implies persistence or continuation despite obstacles, whereas 'συνεχίζω' is more general and neutral.
Notes: 'Εξακολουθώ' is often followed by 'να' + verb, while 'συνεχίζω' can be used with both 'να' + verb and direct objects.
Mnemonic: 'Εξακολουθώ' has 'ακολουθ' (follow) in it – think of following through persistently.
Explanation: 'Εξακολουθώ' means to continue an action, while 'διατηρώ' means to maintain or preserve a state or condition.
Confused word:
Διατηρεί την ψυχραιμία του σε δύσκολες καταστάσεις.
He maintains his composure in difficult situations.
Notes: 'Διατηρώ' often takes a direct object, while 'εξακολουθώ' is typically followed by 'να' + verb.
Mnemonic: Think of 'εξακολουθώ' for actions that keep going, and 'διατηρώ' for states that are preserved.