ορκίζομαι
Lemma: ορκίζομαι
Translation: to swear; to take an oath; to vow; to promise solemnly (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek 'ὅρκος' (horkos) meaning 'oath'. The word has deep historical significance in Greek culture, where oath-taking was a solemn ritual often invoking gods as witnesses. The English word 'exorcism' shares the same root, as it originally referred to binding spirits by oath.
Example Usage
Ορκίζομαι να λέω την αλήθεια.
I swear to tell the truth.
Ορκίστηκε στο Σύνταγμα ως πρόεδρος.
He/she was sworn in as president.
Ορκίστηκε πρόεδρος της χώρας.
He was sworn in as president of the country.
Ορκίζομαι στο όνομά μου.
I swear on my name.
Ορκίστηκε πίστη στην πατρίδα.
He swore allegiance to the country.
Ορκίζομαι στη ζωή των παιδιών μου ότι λέω την αλήθεια.
I swear on my children's lives that I'm telling the truth.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'orchestra' - just as an orchestra follows a conductor's direction, someone who takes an oath (ορκίζομαι) follows the direction of their promise.
- Connect with 'oracle' - in ancient times, oracles gave divine pronouncements, similar to how oaths invoke a higher power.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Taking oaths is significant in Greek culture, appearing in legal proceedings, political inaugurations, and religious contexts. The act of swearing on something sacred (like family or religious symbols) is considered extremely binding in traditional Greek society.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ορκίζομαι' means 'to swear/take an oath', 'ορίζομαι' means 'to be defined' or 'to be appointed'.
Notes: The difference is just one letter ('κ'), but the meanings are completely different.
Mnemonic: 'Ορκίζομαι' has a 'κ' (kappa) which can remind you of 'keeping' your word when you swear an oath.
Explanation: 'Ορκίζομαι' means 'to swear' while 'οργίζομαι' means 'to become angry'.
This word:
Ορκίζομαι στο Θεό.
I swear to God.
Notes: These words sound similar but have very different emotional contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'οργίζομαι' as related to 'orgy' of anger, while 'ορκίζομαι' is about making a solemn promise.