σύζυγος
Lemma: σύζυγος
Translation: spouse; husband; wife; partner; consort (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek σύζυγος (suzugos), composed of σύν (syn, 'together') + ζυγός (zugos, 'yoke'). The word literally means 'yoked together', referring to the ancient metaphor of marriage as two people joined under the same yoke like oxen working together. This connects to English 'conjugal' (from Latin conjugalis) and 'syzygy' (astronomical alignment). The root ζυγός also gives us 'zygote' in English, emphasizing the joining concept.
Example Usage
Ο σύζυγός μου είναι γιατρός.
My spouse is a doctor.
Οι σύζυγοι παντρεύτηκαν πέρυσι.
The spouses got married last year.
Η σύζυγος του δουλεύει στο εξωτερικό.
His wife works abroad.
Ο σύζυγός της είναι γιατρός.
Her spouse is a doctor.
Οι σύζυγοι υπέγραψαν το συμβόλαιο μαζί.
The spouses signed the contract together.
Mnemonics
- Think 'syzygy' - celestial bodies aligned together, like spouses aligned in marriage
- Remember 'yoke' - two oxen yoked together working as one team
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Used in formal contexts, legal documents, and official speech. In everyday conversation, Greeks more commonly use άντρας (husband) or γυναίκα (wife). Often appears in wedding ceremonies, legal papers, and formal announcements.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: σύζυγος refers to a marriage partner while συνεργός means business partner or collaborator
Confused word:
Ο συνεργός του στην εταιρεία είναι έμπιστος.
His business partner in the company is trustworthy.
Notes: Both start with συ- but the context and following syllables clearly distinguish them
Mnemonic: σύζυγος has 'ζυγ' (yoke) for marriage bond, συνεργός has 'εργ' (work) for work partnership