σκεπάζω
Lemma: σκεπάζω
Translation: to cover; to shelter; to protect; to hide; to conceal (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek σκεπάζω, derived from σκέπη (shelter, protection). The root is related to the concept of covering and protection, sharing Indo-European origins with English 'scope' (through Latin scopus from Greek σκοπός, originally meaning 'watcher' or 'protector'). The word maintains its core meaning of providing cover or shelter across millennia, making it a direct semantic descendant of its ancient form.
Example Usage
Σκέπασε το φαγητό για να μην κρυώσει.
Cover the food so it doesn't get cold.
Τα σύννεφα σκέπασαν τον ήλιο.
The clouds covered the sun.
Η μητέρα σκεπάζει το παιδί με κουβέρτα.
The mother covers the child with a blanket.
Τα σύννεφα σκεπάζουν τον ήλιο.
The clouds cover the sun.
Ο Θεός μας σκεπάζει.
God shelters us.
Το δέντρο μας σκεπάζει από τον ήλιο.
The tree shelters us from the sun.
Ο Θεός σκεπάζει τους πιστούς.
God protects the faithful.
Mnemonics
- Think 'skeptical' - being skeptical means you're covering yourself from believing too easily
- Remember 'scope' - both relate to watching over and protecting
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Often used in contexts of physical protection from weather or metaphorical protection. Common in religious contexts referring to divine protection or shelter.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: σκεπάζω means to cover/shelter while σκάβω means to dig. They share similar initial sounds but opposite meanings regarding surface level.
Confused word:
Σκάβω μια τρύπα στον κήπο.
I dig a hole in the garden.
Notes: Both start with σκ- but have completely different meanings and uses
Mnemonic: σκεπάζω has 'π' like 'protect' - it protects by covering; σκάβω sounds like 'scavenge' - digging around