μικροπρεπής
Lemma: μικροπρεπής
Translation: petty; small-minded; mean-spirited; trivial; ungenerous (adjective)
Etymology: From μικρός (mikros) meaning 'small' + πρέπω (prepo) meaning 'to be fitting, suitable'. The compound literally means 'fitting for small things' or 'having the character of smallness'. The root πρέπω is related to words about appearance and suitability, suggesting someone whose character is suited only to small or trivial matters.
Example Usage
Είναι τόσο μικροπρεπής που μετράει κάθε λεπτό που ξοδεύει.
He is so petty that he counts every cent he spends.
Η μικροπρεπής συμπεριφορά του τον έκανε να χάσει πολλούς φίλους.
His petty behavior made him lose many friends.
Μην είσαι μικροπρεπής, συγχώρεσέ τον για αυτό το μικρό λάθος.
Don't be small-minded, forgive him for this small mistake.
Mnemonics
- Think 'micro-proper' - someone who is only proper about small, unimportant things.
- Micro (small) + preppy (concerned with appearances) = someone concerned with small, trivial matters.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This term is often used in discussions of character and ethics in Greek culture, where generosity and magnanimity are traditionally valued traits. Being characterized as 'μικροπρεπής' is considered a significant criticism of someone's character.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While μικροπρεπής refers to someone who is petty or small-minded, ευπρεπής means 'decent, proper, respectable' - they share the root -πρεπής but have opposite connotations.
Confused word:
Πρέπει να διατηρούμε ευπρεπή συμπεριφορά σε δημόσιους χώρους.
We must maintain proper behavior in public spaces.
Notes: The prefix makes all the difference: μικρο- gives a negative connotation while ευ- gives a positive one.
Mnemonic: μικρο (micro/small) + πρεπής vs. ευ (good/well) + πρεπής: small-proper vs. well-proper
Explanation: This is the adverbial form of μικροπρεπής, meaning 'in a petty manner' or 'small-mindedly'.
Confused word:
Συμπεριφέρθηκε μικροπρεπώς στη συνάντηση.
He behaved in a petty manner at the meeting.
Notes: The adjective describes what someone is, while the adverb describes how they act.
Mnemonic: The -ώς ending indicates 'in the manner of' being petty.