παράνομος
Lemma: παράνομος
Translation: illegal; unlawful; illicit; outlaw (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek παράνομος (paránomos), composed of παρά (pará, 'beside, beyond, against') + νόμος (nómos, 'law'). The prefix παρά indicates deviation or transgression, while νόμος refers to law or custom. The word literally means 'against the law' or 'beside the law' in the sense of deviating from it. English words like 'paranormal' share the same prefix παρά, indicating something beyond the normal, while 'nomothetic' and 'autonomy' derive from νόμος.
Example Usage
Αυτή η ενέργεια είναι παράνομη.
This action is illegal.
Συνελήφθη για παράνομη διακίνηση προϊόντων.
He was arrested for illegal trafficking of products.
Οι παράνομοι μετανάστες αντιμετωπίζουν πολλές δυσκολίες.
Illegal immigrants face many difficulties.
Το παράνομο εμπόριο όπλων είναι ένα παγκόσμιο πρόβλημα.
Illegal arms trade is a global problem.
Mnemonics
- Think 'para-no-more' - as in 'no more following the law'
- Remember 'para' (against) + 'nomos' (law) = against the law
- Connect to 'paranormal' (beyond normal) and think of παράνομος as 'beyond legal'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
The concept of παράνομος is important in Greek society and politics, often appearing in discussions about corruption, tax evasion, and unauthorized construction, which have been significant issues in modern Greek history. The term can carry strong moral implications beyond just legal status.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While παράνομος means 'illegal/unlawful', παρανοϊκός means 'paranoid'. They share the prefix παρά but have different roots and meanings.
Notes: The similarity in spelling and sound can cause confusion for learners, but the contexts in which they are used are quite different.
Mnemonic: παράνομος has νόμος (law) in it, while παρανοϊκός has νους (mind) as its root.
Explanation: παράνομος means 'illegal', while ανόμοιος means 'dissimilar/unlike'. Despite both containing forms related to νόμος, they have different meanings and prefixes.
Notes: The words have different etymological roots despite some surface similarity.
Mnemonic: ανόμοιος has the prefix α- (not) + όμοιος (similar), while παράνομος has παρά (against) + νόμος (law).