κατόρθωμα
Lemma: κατόρθωμα
Translation: achievement; accomplishment; feat; success (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κατορθόω (katorthóō) meaning 'to set upright, accomplish successfully'. Composed of κατά (kata) 'down, according to' + ὀρθός (orthós) 'straight, right, correct'. The same root 'ortho-' appears in English words like 'orthodox', 'orthopedic', and 'orthography', all relating to correctness or straightness.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ortho' (straight/correct) + 'ma' (result) = the result of doing something correctly
- Remember 'kata' (down/thoroughly) + 'ortho' (straight) = thoroughly straightening something out to success
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used in contexts of personal or national achievements. Frequently appears in news headlines and formal speeches celebrating accomplishments.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both share the root 'ortho', διόρθωμα means 'correction' or 'amendment', while κατόρθωμα means 'achievement'
Notes: Both words relate to making something right, but κατόρθωμα implies success while διόρθωμα implies fixing an error
Mnemonic: κατ(α)- means 'thoroughly' (achievement), while δι(α)- means 'through' (correction)