σημασία
Lemma: σημασία
Translation: meaning; significance; importance (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek σημασία (sēmasía), from σῆμα (sēma, 'sign, mark'). Related to English 'semantic', 'semaphore'
Mnemonics
- Think of 'semantic' in English - both relate to meaning
- Contains 'σήμα' (sign) - signs give meaning to things
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Frequently used in both casual and formal contexts. Often appears in phrases discussing the importance of various matters in Greek culture.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'σήμα' means 'sign' or 'signal', 'σημασία' refers to the meaning or significance itself
Confused word:
Το σήμα του δρόμου είναι κόκκινο.
The road sign is red.
Notes: σήμα is the physical sign, while σημασία is the abstract meaning
Mnemonic: 'σημασία' has the longer ending -σία, meaning it's about the deeper meaning, not just the surface sign