κατηγορώ
Lemma: κατηγορώ
Translation: to accuse; to blame; to charge; to criticize (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κατηγορέω (katēgoréō), composed of κατά (katá, 'against') and ἀγορεύω (agoreúō, 'to speak in the assembly'). The English word 'category' shares the same root, as it originally referred to a formal accusation or predication in logic. The connection between 'accusation' and 'category' lies in the act of attributing qualities or characteristics to something or someone.
Example Usage
Με κατηγορεί για κάτι που δεν έκανα.
He/she accuses me of something I didn't do.
Ο εισαγγελέας κατηγόρησε τον ύποπτο για κλοπή.
The prosecutor charged the suspect with theft.
Μην κατηγορείς τους άλλους για τα λάθη σου.
Don't blame others for your mistakes.
Κατηγορήθηκε για διαφθορά.
He/she was accused of corruption.
Τον κατηγορούν για απάτη.
They are accusing him of fraud.
Μη με κατηγορείς για κάτι που δεν έκανα.
Don't blame me for something I didn't do.
Ο εισαγγελέας κατηγόρησε τον ύποπτο για φόνο.
The prosecutor charged the suspect with murder.
Πάντα με κατηγορείς για όλα.
You always blame me for everything.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'category' (which shares the same root) as putting someone in the 'category' of guilty people.
- The 'κατά' (kata) prefix means 'against' - you're speaking against someone when you accuse them.
- Sounds a bit like 'categorize' - when you accuse someone, you're categorizing them as guilty.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek society, the concept of accusation carries significant weight, especially in legal contexts. The verb is commonly used in news reporting about legal proceedings and in everyday discussions about responsibility and blame.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'κατηγορώ' means 'to accuse' or 'to blame', 'κατηγοριοποιώ' means 'to categorize' or 'to classify'. They share the same etymological root but have different meanings in modern usage.
Confused word:
Ο επιστήμονας κατηγοριοποίησε τα φυτά σε διάφορες ομάδες.
The scientist categorized the plants into various groups.
Notes: The confusion arises from their shared etymology and the fact that in English, 'category' and 'accusation' seem unrelated, while in Greek the connection is more apparent.
Mnemonic: 'Κατηγορώ' is shorter and more direct, like an accusation. 'Κατηγοριοποιώ' is longer and more methodical, like the process of categorization.
Explanation: 'Κατηγορώ' means 'to accuse', while 'καταγορεύω' (though less common) means 'to denounce' or 'to speak out against'. The difference is subtle but 'καταγορεύω' often implies public denunciation.
This word:
Ο μάρτυρας κατηγόρησε τον ύποπτο στο δικαστήριο.
The witness accused the suspect in court.
Confused word:
Ο πολιτικός καταγόρευσε τη διαφθορά στο σύστημα.
The politician denounced the corruption in the system.
Notes: These verbs are sometimes used interchangeably in colloquial speech, but have distinct formal usages.
Mnemonic: Think of 'καταγορεύω' as containing 'αγορά' (market/public place) - speaking out against someone in public.