προσθέτω
Lemma: προσθέτω
Translation: to add; to append; to put in; to include (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek προστίθημι (prostíthēmi), composed of the prefix προσ- (pros-, 'toward, to') and τίθημι (títhēmi, 'to put, place'). The etymology literally means 'to put toward' or 'to place next to'. This is related to the English word 'thesis' (from Greek θέσις, 'placing, position'), as both share the root related to placing or positioning.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'pros' (προσ) as 'toward' and 'theto' (θέτω) as 'to put' - you're putting something toward something else.
- Remember it sounds a bit like 'prosthetic' - which is something added to the body.
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Used frequently in everyday contexts like cooking (adding ingredients), mathematics, and in discussions about including additional information or items.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'προσθέτω' is the verb 'to add', 'προσθήκη' is the noun 'addition' or 'appendix'.
Confused word:
Η προσθήκη ζάχαρης κάνει τον καφέ πιο γλυκό.
The addition of sugar makes the coffee sweeter.
Notes: These words are related - one is the action, the other is the result or concept of that action.
Mnemonic: Verb ends with -ω (like many Greek verbs), while the noun ends with -η.
Explanation: Though they look similar, 'προσθέτω' means 'to add' while 'προσέχω' means 'to pay attention' or 'to be careful'.
Notes: Both start with 'προσ-' but have different roots and meanings.
Mnemonic: Think of 'προσέχω' as having 'echo' in it - you need to pay attention to hear an echo.