περιουσία
Lemma: περιουσία
Translation: property; wealth; fortune; assets; estate (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek 'περιουσία' (periousia), meaning 'abundance, plenty, surplus'. The word is composed of 'περί' (peri, 'around, about') and 'οὐσία' (ousia, 'being, essence, substance'). The original concept conveyed the idea of what surrounds or is additional to one's essential needs - thus representing wealth or property beyond basic necessities.
Example Usage
Η οικογένεια έχει ακίνητη περιουσία σε όλη την Ελλάδα.
The family has real estate property throughout Greece.
Κληρονόμησε μεγάλη περιουσία από τον παππού του.
He inherited a large fortune from his grandfather.
Έχασε όλη του την περιουσία στο χρηματιστήριο.
He lost all his wealth in the stock market.
Η οικογενειακή περιουσία περιλαμβάνει σπίτια και οικόπεδα.
The family estate includes houses and land plots.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'περιουσία' as 'peri-' (around) + 'ousia' (essence) - the things that surround your essential being are your possessions and wealth.
- Connect it with 'peruse' in English (to examine carefully) - you might carefully examine or peruse your valuable property.
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, 'περιουσία' often refers not just to monetary wealth but to all possessions including land and property, which historically have been important markers of social status. Family property is traditionally passed down through generations and there's often a strong emphasis on maintaining and growing one's 'περιουσία' as a legacy.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'περιουσία' means 'property/wealth', 'ουσία' means 'substance/essence'. 'Περιουσία' contains 'ουσία' with the prefix 'περι-' (around).
Confused word:
Η ουσία του προβλήματος είναι η έλλειψη επικοινωνίας.
The essence of the problem is the lack of communication.
Notes: The prefix 'περι-' transforms the meaning from abstract 'essence' to concrete 'possessions'.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'περιουσία' (property) is what surrounds (περι-) your essence, while 'ουσία' is the essence itself.
Explanation: 'Περιουσία' means 'property/wealth' while 'παρουσία' means 'presence'. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
This word:
Η περιουσία του εκτιμάται σε εκατομμύρια ευρώ.
His fortune is estimated at millions of euros.
Confused word:
Η παρουσία του στη συνάντηση ήταν απαραίτητη.
His presence at the meeting was necessary.
Notes: Despite looking similar, these words have entirely different etymologies and meanings.
Mnemonic: Think: 'παρουσία' sounds like 'presence' - both start with 'p' and relate to being present.