παραδοχή
Lemma: παραδοχή
Translation: admission; acceptance; acknowledgment; recognition; confession (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek παραδοχή (paradochē), from παραδέχομαι (paradechomai) meaning 'to accept, receive'. The prefix παρα- (para-) means 'beside, alongside' and the root -δοχή comes from δέχομαι (dechomai) 'to receive, accept'. Related to English words with the prefix 'para-' (like 'parallel', 'paradigm') and words related to 'docile' and 'doctrine' which share the Indo-European root *dek- meaning 'to take, accept'.
Example Usage
Η παραδοχή του λάθους είναι το πρώτο βήμα για τη διόρθωσή του.
Admitting the mistake is the first step to correcting it.
Η παραδοχή της αλήθειας απαιτεί θάρρος.
The admission of truth requires courage.
Η παραδοχή της ήττας ήταν δύσκολη για την ομάδα.
The acceptance of defeat was difficult for the team.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'para-' (beside) + 'doche' (receiving) as 'receiving something alongside you' - accepting it into your space.
- Connect it to 'paradox' in English - sometimes accepting contradictory ideas requires a 'παραδοχή' (admission).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, the concept of 'παραδοχή' is important in both personal and professional contexts. The ability to admit mistakes or accept responsibility is considered a sign of maturity and integrity. In legal contexts, 'παραδοχή ενοχής' (admission of guilt) is a significant concept.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'παραδοχή' means 'admission/acceptance', 'παράδοση' means 'tradition' or 'delivery/handover'.
This word:
Η παραδοχή των λαθών του τον έκανε πιο συμπαθή.
His admission of his mistakes made him more likable.
Notes: The stress is on different syllables: παραδοΧΉ vs παρΆδοση.
Mnemonic: παραδοχή ends with -οχή (like 'acceptance') while παράδοση ends with -οση (like 'tradition').
Explanation: Both mean 'acceptance', but 'αποδοχή' often implies more positive reception or approval, while 'παραδοχή' often implies admission of something difficult or negative.
Notes: παραδοχή often collocates with negative concepts (mistakes, guilt), while αποδοχή often collocates with positive ones (proposals, gifts).
Mnemonic: παραδοχή (para-) suggests something alongside (like a confession), while αποδοχή (apo-) suggests something coming from (like receiving approval).