παραχωρώ
Lemma: παραχωρώ
Translation: to concede; to grant; to cede; to yield; to give up (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek παραχωρέω (parakhōréō), composed of παρά (pará, 'beside, alongside') + χωρέω (khōréō, 'to make room, give way'). The original meaning conveyed the idea of stepping aside to make room for someone else, which evolved into the modern sense of yielding rights or possessions to another. The root χωρέω is related to χώρος (khṓros, 'space, place'), which gives us English words like 'chorus' and 'choreography'.
Example Usage
Παραχώρησε τη θέση του στην ηλικιωμένη κυρία.
He gave up his seat to the elderly lady.
Η κυβέρνηση παραχώρησε άδεια για την κατασκευή του νέου κτιρίου.
The government granted permission for the construction of the new building.
Παραχωρώ όλα μου τα δικαιώματα στην εταιρεία.
I cede all my rights to the company.
Το κράτος παραχώρησε έκταση γης για την ανέγερση σχολείου.
The state granted a plot of land for the construction of a school.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'para' (beside) + 'choro' (space) = moving aside to give space to someone else.
- Imagine 'para' (like 'parallel') + 'choreo' (like 'choreography') = choreographing a move to step aside for someone else.
- The 'χωρ' (chor) part sounds a bit like 'core' - you're giving away the core or essence of something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used in formal contexts such as legal agreements, property transfers, and diplomatic language. In everyday speech, it's commonly used when talking about giving up seats on public transportation or yielding to others in various social situations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'παραχωρώ' means 'to concede or grant', 'παραχορηγώ' means 'to sponsor or fund'. They sound similar but have different meanings and contexts of use.
Confused word:
Παραχορηγώ την εκδήλωση με σημαντικό ποσό.
I sponsor the event with a significant amount.
Notes: The prefix 'παρα-' is common in both words but they derive from different roots.
Mnemonic: 'Παραχωρώ' has 'χωρ' which relates to 'space' (giving space/rights), while 'παραχορηγώ' has 'χορηγ' which relates to 'providing' (providing funds).
Explanation: 'Παραχωρώ' means 'to concede or grant' while 'προχωρώ' means 'to proceed or move forward'. They look and sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: The difference in prefixes ('παρα-' vs 'προ-') changes the meaning completely despite the shared root '-χωρώ'.
Mnemonic: 'Παραχωρώ' has 'παρα' (beside) suggesting moving aside, while 'προχωρώ' has 'προ' (forward) suggesting moving ahead.