κεντρικός
Lemma: κεντρικός
Translation: central; main; principal; core (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κέντρον (kentron) meaning 'center, point'. The English word 'center' shares the same Greek root, as do words like 'eccentric' (meaning 'away from the center') and 'concentrate'. The root κέντρον originally referred to a sharp point or goad used to drive cattle, which evolved to mean the fixed point of a compass used to draw circles, and eventually the middle point of a circle.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'center' in English, which sounds similar to the first part of κεντρικός.
- Imagine a kentron (point) at the center of a circle - that's what's κεντρικός.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Frequently used in urban planning contexts in Greece, where the 'κεντρικός δρόμος' (main street) is an important reference point in towns and cities. Also commonly used in administrative contexts to refer to central government or headquarters.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While κεντρικός is an adjective meaning 'central', κεντρικά is an adverb meaning 'centrally'.
Notes: The adverb form is derived from the neuter plural form of the adjective.
Mnemonic: Remember that κεντρικός ends with -ός (adjective ending) while κεντρικά ends with -ά (adverb ending).
Explanation: κεντρικός is the adjective form (meaning 'central'), while κέντρο is the noun form (meaning 'center').
Notes: κεντρικός is derived from κέντρο by adding the adjectival suffix -ικός.
Mnemonic: κέντρο is the thing itself (the center), while κεντρικός describes something as being central or main.