σύντομος
Lemma: σύντομος
Translation: brief; short; concise; quick; succinct (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek σύντομος (syntómos), composed of σύν (syn-, 'together, with') + τόμος (tómos, 'cut, section'), literally meaning 'cut together' or 'cut short'. The root τόμος is related to the English words 'tome' (a large book), 'atom' (literally 'not cut'), 'anatomy' (cutting up), and 'epitome' (a cut or abridgment). The prefix σύν- appears in many English words like 'synthesis', 'synchronize', and 'symphony'. This etymology makes the meaning memorable: something that has been 'cut short' or condensed.
Mnemonics
- Think 'SYNopsis + TOME' = a short version of a large book
- Remember 'syntax' + 'tome' = brief structured writing
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Often appears in business communications, academic writing, and everyday speech when describing time duration or text length. Greeks value conciseness in communication, making this a frequently used descriptive term.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: σύντομος means 'brief/short' while σύνθετος means 'complex/compound'. Both start with σύν- but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Το πρόβλημα είναι σύνθετο.
The problem is complex.
Notes: The key difference is in the root: τόμος (cutting) vs θετός (placing/setting)
Mnemonic: σύντομος = 'cut short' (τόμος = cut), σύνθετος = 'put together' (θετός = placed)