σταθερός
Lemma: σταθερός
Translation: stable; steady; constant; firm; fixed; consistent; reliable (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek στάσις (stasis) meaning 'standing, position' plus the suffix -ερός. Related to English 'static', 'statistics', 'stasis', and 'status' - all sharing the Indo-European root *steh₂- meaning 'to stand'. The connection to 'stand' helps remember that something stable literally 'stands firm' without moving or changing.
Example Usage
Έχει σταθερή δουλειά εδώ και δέκα χρόνια.
He has had a stable job for ten years.
Η θερμοκρασία παραμένει σταθερή όλη την ημέρα.
The temperature remains constant all day.
Χρειάζεσαι σταθερό χέρι για να ζωγραφίσεις λεπτομέρειες.
You need a steady hand to paint details.
Έχει σταθερές απόψεις και δεν αλλάζει εύκολα γνώμη.
He has firm opinions and doesn't easily change his mind.
Έχει σταθερή δουλειά.
He has a stable job.
Ο καιρός είναι σταθερός σήμερα.
The weather is steady today.
Είναι σταθερός στις αποφάσεις του.
He is firm in his decisions.
Η θερμοκρασία είναι σταθερή.
The temperature is constant.
Χρειαζόμαστε σταθερή σχέση.
We need a steady relationship.
Mnemonics
- Think 'static' + 'steady' - both start with 'st' like σταθερός
- Remember 'statistics' - numbers that remain constant are σταθερός
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in economic contexts (σταθερή οικονομία - stable economy), relationships (σταθερή σχέση - steady relationship), and technical contexts. Greeks value stability in personal and professional relationships, making this a culturally significant concept.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: σταθερός means stable/consistent over time, while στερεός means physically solid/hard
This word:
Η τιμή είναι σταθερή.
The price is stable.
Confused word:
Το τραπέζι είναι στερεό.
The table is solid.
Notes: Both relate to firmness but σταθερός emphasizes temporal consistency while στερεός emphasizes physical solidity
Mnemonic: σταθερός = steady over time, στερεός = solid to touch