κορυφή
Lemma: κορυφή
Translation: peak; summit; top; apex; pinnacle; crest; vertex (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κορυφή (koruphḗ), meaning 'head, crown, top'. The word has maintained its core meaning of 'highest point' throughout its history. It shares the same Indo-European root as English words like 'cerebral' (relating to the brain/head) and is distantly related to Latin 'cerebrum' (brain).
Example Usage
Φτάσαμε στην κορυφή του βουνού.
We reached the mountain peak.
Βρίσκεται στην κορυφή της καριέρας της.
She is at the peak of her career.
Φτάσαμε στην κορυφή του βουνού μετά από πολλές ώρες πεζοπορίας.
We reached the summit of the mountain after many hours of hiking.
Η ομάδα βρίσκεται στην κορυφή του πρωταθλήματος.
The team is at the top of the championship.
Αυτή η στιγμή ήταν η κορυφή της καριέρας του.
This moment was the pinnacle of his career.
Το τρίγωνο έχει τρεις κορυφές.
The triangle has three vertices.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'coryphée' (lead ballet dancer) - someone at the top of their profession
- Sounds a bit like 'roof' - the top part of a building
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
The word is used both literally for geographical features and figuratively for achievements or hierarchies. In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, was considered the home of the gods, making the concept of 'κορυφή' culturally significant.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'κορυφή' is a feminine noun meaning 'peak/summit', 'κόρυφος' is a masculine noun referring to a type of fish (sea bream).
Notes: These words share a similar spelling but have completely different meanings and contexts.
Mnemonic: Remember: κορυφή ends with 'η' (feminine) and refers to heights; κόρυφος ends with 'ος' (masculine) and refers to a fish.
Explanation: This is a colloquial or dialectal variant of 'κορυφή' with the same meaning, but 'κορυφή' is the standard form.
Notes: Both forms are understood, but 'κορυφή' is preferred in formal writing.
Mnemonic: κορυφή is the formal, complete form; κορφή is the shortened, more casual version.