περιεργάζομαι
Lemma: περιεργάζομαι
Translation: to meddle; to be nosy; to pry into; to be overly curious about (verb)
Etymology: From περί (around, about) + ἔργον (work, deed). Literally means 'to work around' or 'to busy oneself about'
Mnemonics
- Think 'peri' (around) + 'ergo' (work) = working around something too much, being nosy
- Similar to 'perimeter' in English - going around the edges of something
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used in a slightly negative context, implying unwanted or excessive curiosity about others' affairs
Easily Confused With
Explanation: περιεργάζομαι means 'to meddle/be nosy' while εργάζομαι simply means 'to work'
Confused word:
Εργάζεται σε τράπεζα.
She works at a bank.
Notes: The περι- prefix changes the meaning from neutral 'working' to excessive involvement
Mnemonic: Remember the 'περι-' prefix adds the meaning of 'around/about' to the basic meaning of work