συγκεκριμένος
Lemma: συγκεκριμένος
Translation: specific; particular; concrete; definite; certain (adjective)
Etymology: From the prefix συν- (syn-, meaning 'together') + κεκριμένος (past participle of κρίνω, meaning 'to judge' or 'to decide'). The word literally means 'judged together' or 'decided upon', which evolved to mean 'specifically determined' or 'concrete'. The root κρίνω is cognate with English 'crisis', 'critic', and 'criterion' - all relating to judgment or decision-making. This etymology helps explain why συγκεκριμένος implies something that has been definitively determined or specified.
Example Usage
Χρειάζομαι συγκεκριμένες οδηγίες για να φτάσω εκεί.
I need specific directions to get there.
Έχεις κάποιο συγκεκριμένο παράδειγμα;
Do you have any specific example?
Αναφέρομαι σε αυτό το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο.
I'm referring to this particular book.
Δεν έχω συγκεκριμένο σχέδιο ακόμα.
I don't have a concrete plan yet.
Χρειάζομαι μια συγκεκριμένη απάντηση.
I need a specific answer.
Αυτό το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο είναι πολύ καλό.
This particular book is very good.
Έχεις κάποιο συγκεκριμένο σχέδιο;
Do you have any concrete plan?
Mnemonics
- Think 'syn-concrete-menos' - something that's been made concrete through collective judgment
- Remember 'crisis' from the same root - a specific critical moment that requires concrete decisions
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Frequently used in formal and academic contexts, business discussions, and when giving precise instructions. Greeks often use this word when they want to emphasize that they're talking about something very specific rather than general concepts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'specific', ειδικός often refers to specialized knowledge or expertise, while συγκεκριμένος emphasizes definiteness and particularity
Confused word:
Είναι ειδικός γιατρός.
He is a specialist doctor.
Notes: συγκεκριμένος is more about pinpointing something exact, while ειδικός is about expertise or specialization
Mnemonic: συγκεκριμένος = specific instance, ειδικός = specialized field