μεγαλώνω
Lemma: μεγαλώνω
Translation: to grow up; to grow; to raise; to bring up; to rear (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek μεγάλος (megas) meaning 'great, large, big'. The verb μεγαλώνω literally means 'to make or become bigger'. It shares the same root with English words like 'mega', 'megaphone', 'megabyte', and 'megalith', all conveying the sense of largeness or greatness.
Example Usage
Τα παιδιά μεγαλώνουν πολύ γρήγορα.
Children grow up very quickly.
Μεγάλωσα στην Αθήνα.
I grew up in Athens.
Μεγαλώνει τρία παιδιά μόνη της.
She is raising three children by herself.
Το φυτό μεγαλώνει με τον ήλιο.
The plant grows with the sun.
Οι γονείς μου με μεγάλωσαν με αγάπη.
My parents raised me with love.
Το δέντρο μεγαλώνει κάθε χρόνο.
The tree grows every year.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'mega' (big) + 'grow' to remember μεγαλώνω means 'to grow'
- The 'mega' in μεγαλώνω reminds you of something becoming bigger or growing
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, the concept of 'μεγαλώνω' often carries connotations of not just physical growth but also proper upbringing with values and traditions. The phrase 'καλά μεγαλωμένος' (well-raised) is a common compliment for someone who displays good manners and respect, reflecting the importance Greeks place on family upbringing.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While μεγαλώνω means 'to grow/raise', μεγαλύνω means 'to magnify/exalt/glorify'
Confused word:
Μεγαλύνω το όνομα του Θεού.
I glorify the name of God.
Notes: μεγαλώνω is much more common in everyday speech, while μεγαλύνω has a more formal or religious tone
Mnemonic: μεγαλώνω is about natural growth, while μεγαλύνω is about praising or making something appear greater than it is
Explanation: μεγαλώνω refers to actual growth or raising, while μεγαλοποιώ means 'to exaggerate' or 'to blow out of proportion'
Confused word:
Μην μεγαλοποιείς το πρόβλημα.
Don't exaggerate the problem.
Notes: μεγαλοποιώ often has a negative connotation of overreaction
Mnemonic: Think of μεγαλοποιώ as making something artificially bigger (in perception), while μεγαλώνω is about natural growth