μολύβι
Lemma: μολύβι
Translation: pencil; lead (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek μόλυβδος (molybdos) meaning 'lead'. Related to the English word 'molybdenum', the metallic element
Mnemonics
- Think of 'molybdenum' (the chemical element) which comes from the same Greek root
- MOLYvi sounds like MOLten (melted) lead, which is what pencils were originally made from
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
A basic school supply item in Greek education. The word is commonly used in both educational and general contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While μολύβι is specifically a pencil, στυλό is a pen
Confused word:
Υπέγραψε με στυλό.
He signed with a pen.
Notes: μολύβι is erasable, στυλό is permanent
Mnemonic: μολύβι contains the sound 'liv' - think 'leave a mark that can be erased'