επιτρέπω
Lemma: επιτρέπω
Translation: to allow; to permit; to authorize; to enable (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐπιτρέπω (epitrépō), composed of the prefix ἐπί (epí, 'upon, over') and τρέπω (trépō, 'to turn, direct'). The original meaning was 'to turn over to someone, to entrust, to yield'. The sense evolved to mean 'to give permission' or 'to allow someone to do something'. The English words 'epitrope' (a rhetorical device where one concedes a point) and 'epitropal' share the same Greek root.
Example Usage
Δεν επιτρέπεται το κάπνισμα εδώ.
Smoking is not allowed here.
Οι γονείς μου δεν μου επιτρέπουν να βγω αργά το βράδυ.
My parents don't allow me to go out late at night.
Επιτρέψτε μου να σας βοηθήσω.
Allow me to help you.
Ο νόμος επιτρέπει την κατανάλωση αλκοόλ μόνο σε ενήλικες.
The law permits alcohol consumption only for adults.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'epi' (upon) + 'trepo' (to turn) as 'turning over' authority or decision-making to someone else, thus 'permitting' them.
- Connect it to 'epitrope' in English (a rhetorical device where one concedes a point), which shares the same root.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
This verb is commonly used in Greek society in contexts of rules, regulations, and social norms. You'll often see it on signs indicating what is or isn't allowed in public spaces. The impersonal form 'επιτρέπεται' (it is permitted) and 'δεν επιτρέπεται' (it is not permitted) are particularly common in official contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'επιτρέπω' means 'to allow/permit', 'επιστρέφω' means 'to return'. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: These two verbs are commonly confused by learners due to their similar appearance and sound.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'επιτρέπω' has a 'τ' (t) like 'permit', while 'επιστρέφω' has 'στ' (st) like 'restore' or 'return'.
Explanation: 'Επιτρέπω' means 'to allow', while 'εμπιστεύομαι' means 'to trust'. Though conceptually related (we often permit things from people we trust), they have distinct meanings.
Notes: While permission often implies trust, these concepts are expressed with different verbs in Greek.
Mnemonic: 'Εμπιστεύομαι' contains 'πιστ' which sounds like 'pistis' (faith), reminding you it's about trust.