επίδοση
Lemma: επίδοση
Translation: performance; achievement; delivery; service; record (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐπίδοσις (epidosis), from the verb ἐπιδίδωμι (epidídōmi) meaning 'to give in addition' or 'to improve'. The prefix ἐπί- (epi-) means 'upon' or 'in addition to', while -δοσις comes from δίδωμι (didōmi) meaning 'to give'. The word evolved to describe improvement, progress, and later performance or achievement.
Example Usage
Η επίδοση του στις εξετάσεις ήταν εξαιρετική.
His performance in the exams was excellent.
Ο αθλητής κατέρριψε το παγκόσμιο ρεκόρ με την επίδοσή του.
The athlete broke the world record with his performance.
Η επίδοση του εγγράφου έγινε από τον δικαστικό επιμελητή.
The delivery of the document was made by the court bailiff.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'epi-' (upon) + 'dose' (like a dose of medicine) - giving an extra dose leads to improved performance.
- Connect it with 'episode' in English - each episode shows the performance of actors.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, 'επίδοση' is frequently used in educational contexts to discuss student performance, in sports to refer to athletic achievements, and in legal contexts for the delivery of documents. The word carries a positive connotation when referring to performance or achievement.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'επίδοση' focuses on performance or delivery, 'απόδοση' more broadly refers to yield, return, or rendering something.
Confused word:
Η απόδοση της επένδυσης ήταν ικανοποιητική.
The return on investment was satisfactory.
Notes: In some contexts like sports or academics, these words can overlap in meaning.
Mnemonic: 'Επίδοση' starts with 'επί' (upon) suggesting something visible like a performance, while 'απόδοση' starts with 'από' (from) suggesting something coming back like a return.
Explanation: 'Επίδοση' can mean delivery of documents, while 'παράδοση' more commonly means tradition or the act of handing over something.
Confused word:
Η παράδοση των προϊόντων θα γίνει αύριο.
The delivery of the products will be done tomorrow.
Notes: Both can refer to delivery, but in different contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'επίδοση' for official delivery (like court documents) and 'παράδοση' for general delivery or tradition.