προτείνω
Lemma: προτείνω
Translation: to propose; to suggest; to offer; to extend (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek προτείνω (proteínō), composed of the prefix προ- (pro-, 'forward, forth') and τείνω (teínō, 'to stretch, extend'). The original meaning was 'to stretch forward or forth'. This shares the same Indo-European root *ten- ('to stretch') that gives English words like 'tension', 'extend', and 'tendon'.
Example Usage
Προτείνω να πάμε για φαγητό.
I suggest we go for food.
Η επιτροπή πρότεινε μια νέα λύση στο πρόβλημα.
The committee proposed a new solution to the problem.
Μου πρότεινε δουλειά στην εταιρεία του.
He offered me a job at his company.
Πρότεινε το χέρι του για χειραψία.
He extended his hand for a handshake.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'pro-teino' as 'putting something forward' (pro = forward, teino = stretch/extend)
- Relate it to 'extend' in English - you're extending an idea or offer to someone
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, from business meetings to casual conversations. In Greek culture, making proposals or suggestions often involves a more direct approach than in some English-speaking cultures.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While προτείνω means 'to propose/suggest', παρατείνω means 'to extend/prolong' (in time or duration).
This word:
Προτείνω να αλλάξουμε την ημερομηνία της συνάντησης.
I suggest we change the date of the meeting.
Confused word:
Παρατείνω την προθεσμία υποβολής των αιτήσεων.
I extend the deadline for submitting applications.
Notes: Both share the root τείνω (to stretch/extend) but with different prefixes that change the meaning.
Mnemonic: προ (pro) = forward (proposing puts an idea forward), παρα (para) = alongside/beyond (extending something alongside in time)
Explanation: προτείνω means 'to propose/suggest' while προτιμώ means 'to prefer'.
Confused word:
Προτιμώ να πάμε στο θέατρο παρά στον κινηματογράφο.
I prefer to go to the theater rather than the cinema.
Notes: These words look and sound similar but have distinct meanings in different contexts.
Mnemonic: προτείνω has 'τείν' (stretch) - you stretch out an idea; προτιμώ has 'τιμ' (value/honor) - you value one thing over another