κέρδος
Lemma: κέρδος
Translation: profit; gain; earnings; benefit (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κέρδος (kérdos), meaning 'profit, gain, advantage'. The word has been in use since ancient times and shares the same Indo-European root as English words related to growth and increase. The concept of κέρδος was important in ancient Greek commerce and philosophy, where it often contrasted with moral values in discussions about wealth acquisition.
Example Usage
Η εταιρεία είχε μεγάλο κέρδος φέτος.
The company had a large profit this year.
Δεν υπάρχει κανένα κέρδος σε αυτή τη συμφωνία.
There is no benefit in this agreement.
Τα κέρδη από την πώληση θα διανεμηθούν στους μετόχους.
The profits from the sale will be distributed to the shareholders.
Το κέρδος δεν είναι πάντα χρηματικό.
Profit isn't always monetary.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'κέρδος' as related to 'cards' in a card game where you win money (profit).
- Associate with 'kerching' (the sound of an old cash register) to remember it means profit or gain.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Greek business culture, the concept of κέρδος is central to commercial discussions. However, there's also a cultural understanding that excessive focus on profit (κέρδος) at the expense of other values can be viewed negatively, reflecting ancient Greek philosophical debates about wealth and virtue.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'κέρδος' means profit or gain, 'κέρμα' means coin or small change. They sound similar but have different meanings and uses.
Notes: These words have different grammatical genders: κέρδος is neuter, while κέρμα is also neuter but has different declension patterns.
Mnemonic: Remember: κέρδος ends with '-ος' for profit, while κέρμα ends with '-μα' for money (coins).
Explanation: 'Κέρδος' means profit or gain, while 'κόστος' means cost or expense - essentially opposites in business contexts.
Confused word:
Το κόστος παραγωγής αυξήθηκε.
The production cost increased.
Notes: Both are neuter nouns and are frequently used together in financial discussions.
Mnemonic: Think of 'κόστος' as 'cost' (they sound similar) and 'κέρδος' as what you gain after paying the costs.