ονοματίζω
Lemma: ονοματίζω
Translation: to name; to call; to designate; to denominate (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ὀνομάζω (onomázō), derived from ὄνομα (ónoma, 'name'). The English words 'onomatopoeia' and 'nomenclature' share the same Greek root. The root ὄνομα is cognate with Latin 'nomen', which gave English 'name', 'nominal', and 'nomenclature'.
Example Usage
Ονομάτισαν το παιδί τους Γιώργο προς τιμήν του παππού του.
They named their child George in honor of his grandfather.
Ο βασιλιάς ονομάτισε τον ιππότη προστάτη του βασιλείου.
The king designated the knight as protector of the kingdom.
Η εταιρεία ονομάτισε το νέο προϊόν 'Άλφα'.
The company named the new product 'Alpha'.
Η εκκλησία ονοματίζεται Άγιος Νικόλαος.
The church is called Saint Nicholas.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'onomatopoeia' in English (words that imitate sounds) to remember that 'ονοματίζω' relates to giving something a name.
- Connect it to 'nomenclature' (system of names) to recall its meaning of designating or naming.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, naming is an important tradition, especially in Orthodox baptism ceremonies where a child is given a name, often after a saint or grandparent. The verb 'ονοματίζω' has a somewhat formal or literary tone compared to the more common 'ονομάζω'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Ονοματίζω' is a more formal or literary variant of 'ονομάζω'. While both mean 'to name' or 'to call', 'ονομάζω' is much more common in everyday speech.
Confused word:
Πώς σε ονομάζουν;
What do they call you?
Notes: 'Ονομάζω' is the more common everyday term, while 'ονοματίζω' might appear in more formal contexts or literary texts.
Mnemonic: 'Ονοματίζω' has the extra syllable 'τι', making it longer and more formal than 'ονομάζω'.
Explanation: While 'ονοματίζω' means simply 'to name', 'κατονομάζω' means 'to name specifically' or 'to mention by name', often in the context of identifying or accusing someone.
Confused word:
Κατονόμασε τους συνεργούς του στην αστυνομία.
He named his accomplices to the police.
Notes: 'Κατονομάζω' has a more specific meaning related to identifying individuals by name, often in legal or accusatory contexts.
Mnemonic: The prefix 'κατα-' in 'κατονομάζω' suggests pointing down at someone specific, like naming names or pointing fingers.