προτιμώ
Lemma: προτιμώ
Translation: to prefer; to favor; to choose; to like better (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek προτιμάω (protimao), composed of προ- (pro-, meaning 'before' or 'in front of') and τιμάω (timao, meaning 'to honor' or 'to value'). The literal meaning is 'to value before others' or 'to honor first'. This etymology helps explain why preference involves placing higher value on one option over others. The English cognate 'prototype' shares the same 'pro-' prefix, meaning 'first model'.
Mnemonics
- Think 'PRO-time' - you give more time to what you prefer
- Remember 'prototype' - your preferred model comes first
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Used frequently in everyday Greek conversation when expressing preferences about food, activities, choices. Greeks often use this verb when discussing personal tastes and making decisions in social contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: προτιμώ means to prefer (expressing personal choice), while προτείνω means to suggest or propose (offering an idea to others)
Confused word:
Προτείνω να πάμε σινεμά.
I suggest we go to the cinema.
Notes: Both start with προ- but serve different communicative functions - internal preference vs external suggestion
Mnemonic: προτιμώ = personal preference (ends in -ώ like other preference verbs), προτείνω = proposing to others (τείνω suggests extending an idea outward)