παραλείπω
Lemma: παραλείπω
Translation: to omit; to leave out; to skip; to neglect (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek παραλείπω (paraleípō), composed of the prefix παρα- (para-, 'beside, beyond') and λείπω (leípō, 'to leave'). The prefix παρα- indicates deviation or movement past something, while λείπω means 'to leave behind'. Together, they form the concept of 'leaving something aside' or 'passing by without including'. This shares the same root as English words like 'ellipsis' (from Greek ἔλλειψις, élleipsis, 'omission'), which comes from the same verb λείπω.
Example Usage
Παρέλειψε να αναφέρει το πιο σημαντικό σημείο.
He omitted mentioning the most important point.
Μην παραλείψεις να πάρεις τα κλειδιά σου.
Don't forget to take your keys.
Παραλείπω τις λεπτομέρειες για να μη σας κουράσω.
I'm skipping the details so as not to tire you.
Δεν παραλείπει ποτέ να με πάρει τηλέφωνο τα γενέθλιά μου.
She never fails to call me on my birthday.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'para-leave' - to leave something to the side (para = beside, leave = λείπω)
- Connect it to 'ellipsis' (...) which indicates omitted text in English
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek academic and formal writing, the phrase 'παραλείπω να αναφέρω' (I omit mentioning) is sometimes used as a rhetorical device to actually draw attention to something while pretending to skip it. In Biblical contexts, 'Παραλειπόμενα' refers to the Books of Chronicles, named for containing details omitted from other books.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While παραλείπω means 'to omit' or 'leave out', περιλαμβάνω means 'to include' or 'to contain' - they are essentially opposites.
Notes: The prefixes παρα- and περι- create opposite meanings in these verbs.
Mnemonic: παραλείπω has παρα (beyond) + λείπω (leave) = leave something out; περιλαμβάνω has περι (around) + λαμβάνω (take) = take something in, include it
Explanation: Both verbs involve not giving attention to something, but παραλείπω means 'to omit' (actively leaving something out), while παραβλέπω means 'to overlook' or 'to turn a blind eye to' (ignoring something that is present).
This word:
Παρέλειψα να αναφέρω το πρόβλημα στην αναφορά.
I omitted mentioning the problem in the report.
Confused word:
Παρέβλεψα το λάθος του επειδή ήταν αρχάριος.
I overlooked his mistake because he was a beginner.
Notes: παραβλέπω often implies tolerance or forgiveness, while παραλείπω is more neutral about simply not including something.
Mnemonic: παραλείπω = leave it out completely; παραβλέπω = see it but look past it (βλέπω = to see)