ονομάζω
Lemma: ονομάζω
Translation: to name; to call; to designate; to term (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ὀνομάζω (onomázō), derived from ὄνομα (ónoma, 'name'). The root is connected to English words like 'onomatopoeia' and 'nomenclature'. The Indo-European root *nō-men- is also the source of English 'name', Latin 'nomen', and Sanskrit 'nāman'.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'onomatopoeia' (naming things based on their sound) to remember ονομάζω means 'to name'
- The root 'onoma' sounds like 'name' with an 'o' in front
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, naming is an important tradition. Children are often named after grandparents, and name days (celebrating the feast day of the saint after whom one is named) are often more important than birthdays.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While ονομάζω means 'to name', ονειρεύομαι means 'to dream'. They look somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: The confusion often comes from the similar beginning 'ον-' and overall length of the words.
Mnemonic: ονομάζω has 'όνομα' (name) in it, while ονειρεύομαι has 'όνειρο' (dream) in it.
Explanation: ονομάζω means 'to name' while ομολογώ means 'to confess' or 'to admit'. Both begin with 'ο' and have some similar sounds.
This word:
Ονομάζουν το φαινόμενο αυτό 'παγκόσμια θέρμανση'.
They call this phenomenon 'global warming'.
Confused word:
Ομολογώ ότι έκανα λάθος.
I confess that I made a mistake.
Notes: Both are common verbs but used in completely different contexts.
Mnemonic: ονομάζω has 'όνομα' (name) in it, while ομολογώ relates to 'ομολογία' (confession).