κεφάλαιο
Lemma: κεφάλαιο
Translation: chapter; capital (financial); capital letter (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κεφάλαιον (kephalaion), derived from κεφαλή (kephalē, 'head'). The same root gives us English 'cephalic', 'encephalitis', and 'cephalopod'. The semantic development from 'head' to 'chapter' reflects how chapters are main divisions or 'headings' in a text, while the financial meaning reflects the principal or 'head' sum of money.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'cephalic' (relating to the head) - chapters are 'headings' in a book
- Capital is the 'head' sum of money, just as κεφάλαιο comes from the word for 'head'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Widely used in both academic and financial contexts. In Greek textbooks and literature, 'κεφάλαιο' is the standard term for chapter divisions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While κεφαλή means 'head' (literal), κεφάλαιο refers to chapters, capital, or capital letters
Confused word:
Πονάει η κεφαλή μου.
My head hurts.
Notes: The metaphorical extensions of κεφάλαιο all derive from the literal meaning of κεφαλή
Mnemonic: κεφάλαιο has the -αιο ending, think 'chapter-αιο'