ευθύνη
Lemma: ευθύνη
Translation: responsibility; liability; accountability; duty; obligation (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek εὐθύνη (euthýnē), which meant 'straightening, correction, scrutiny, account'. It derives from εὐθύνω (euthýnō) meaning 'to straighten, direct, guide, correct', which comes from εὐθύς (euthýs) 'straight, direct'. The concept evolved from the idea of keeping something on a straight path to the modern sense of being accountable or responsible for one's actions.
Example Usage
Έχω την ευθύνη για αυτό το έργο.
I have the responsibility for this project.
Η ευθύνη για το ατύχημα βαρύνει τον οδηγό.
The liability for the accident falls on the driver.
Αναλαμβάνω την ευθύνη των πράξεών μου.
I take responsibility for my actions.
Είναι δική σου ευθύνη να φροντίσεις τα παιδιά.
It's your responsibility to take care of the children.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'youth in me' (sounds a bit like 'ευθύνη') as taking responsibility for one's actions, which is often associated with growing up.
- Connect it with 'truth' - being responsible means being truthful about your actions and their consequences.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek society, the concept of 'ευθύνη' is deeply embedded in social and political discourse. It's frequently invoked in discussions about governance, professional conduct, and personal ethics. The term carries significant weight in legal contexts as well, where 'ποινική ευθύνη' (criminal liability) and 'αστική ευθύνη' (civil liability) are fundamental concepts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ευθύνη' means 'responsibility', 'ευθεία' means 'straight line' or 'directly'. They share the same root related to straightness but have evolved to have different meanings.
This word:
Έχω την ευθύνη για την οργάνωση της εκδήλωσης.
I have the responsibility for organizing the event.
Notes: Both words derive from the Ancient Greek concept of straightness (εὐθύς), but 'ευθύνη' evolved to represent moral straightness or accountability.
Mnemonic: 'Ευθύνη' has 'ν' (n) for 'necessary obligation', while 'ευθεία' has no 'ν' in the middle and refers to a straight path.
Explanation: 'Ευθύνη' means 'responsibility' while 'ευτυχία' means 'happiness'. They look somewhat similar but have completely different meanings and etymologies.
Confused word:
Η οικογένειά μου είναι η πηγή της ευτυχίας μου.
My family is the source of my happiness.
Notes: These words often appear in philosophical discussions about life, with some arguing that accepting 'ευθύνη' (responsibility) is necessary for achieving true 'ευτυχία' (happiness).
Mnemonic: 'Ευτυχία' contains 'τυχ' which sounds like 'touch' - happiness touches your heart, while 'ευθύνη' contains 'θύν' which sounds heavier, like a burden of responsibility.