θυμώνω
Lemma: θυμώνω
Translation: to get angry; to become angry; to be mad; to lose one's temper (verb)
Etymology: From ancient Greek θυμός (thymos) meaning 'soul, spirit, courage, anger' + the verb-forming suffix -όνω. The root θυμός is related to θύω (to sacrifice, to rage) and connects to the concept of spirited emotion. Interestingly, θυμός also gave rise to the English word 'thyme' (the herb), as it was believed to give courage. The connection between spirit, courage, and anger reflects the ancient Greek understanding of θυμός as the seat of passionate emotions in the soul.
Example Usage
Το ζωηρό παιδί έπιασε το κεφάλι του όταν θύμωσε.
The lively child grabbed his head when he got angry.
Μη θυμώνεις μαζί μου.
Don't be angry with me.
Θύμωσε πολύ όταν έμαθε την αλήθεια.
He got very angry when he learned the truth.
Δεν αξίζει να θυμώνεις για τέτοια πράγματα.
It's not worth getting angry about such things.
Όταν θυμώνω, προσπαθώ να μετρήσω μέχρι το δέκα.
When I get angry, I try to count to ten.
Θυμώνω με τον αδερφό μου.
I'm angry with my brother.
Μην θυμώνεις μαζί μου!
Don't be angry with me!
Θύμωσε πολύ όταν το έμαθε.
He got very angry when he found out.
Mnemonics
- Think 'THYME-own-oh' - when you're angry, you own your thyme (time) to cool down
- Remember θυμός (thymos) = spirit/anger, so θυμώνω = spirit getting heated up
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Greeks are generally expressive with emotions, and θυμώνω is commonly used in everyday conversation. It's acceptable to express anger openly in many contexts, though the degree and manner matter. Often used with 'με' (with) to indicate what or whom one is angry at.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: θυμώνω means 'to get angry' while θυμάμαι means 'to remember'. Both start with θυμ- but have completely different meanings and come from the same root θυμός (mind/spirit).
Confused word:
Θυμάμαι την παλιά μου σχολή.
I remember my old school.
Notes: Both verbs relate to mental/emotional states but θυμώνω is about anger while θυμάμαι is about memory
Mnemonic: θυμώνω has 'ώ' (like 'OW!' when angry), θυμάμαι has 'ά' (like 'AH!' when remembering)