τιμώ
Lemma: τιμώ
Translation: to honor; to respect; to value; to price; to charge (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek τιμάω (timáō), meaning 'to honor, to value'. The root is related to the noun τιμή (timí), meaning 'honor, value, price'. This root appears in English words like 'timocracy' (a form of government where honor or property is the basis for power) and is distantly related to 'estimate'. The concept of honor and value being linked in this word reflects ancient Greek cultural values where social standing and worth were closely connected.
Example Usage
Τιμούμε τους ήρωες του έθνους.
We honor the heroes of the nation.
Πώς το τιμάτε αυτό το προϊόν;
How do you price this product?
Τιμώ τους γονείς μου.
I honor my parents.
Πόσο τιμάτε αυτό το προϊόν;
How much do you charge for this product?
Τιμούμε τη μνήμη των πεσόντων.
We honor the memory of the fallen.
Η εταιρεία τιμά τους υπαλλήλους της με ένα δώρο.
The company honors its employees with a gift.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'team-oh' - you honor and respect your team.
- Connect it to 'esteem' which has a similar meaning of respect and value.
- Remember that 'τιμή' (timí) means both 'honor' and 'price' - so τιμώ can mean both 'to honor' and 'to price'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, the concept of 'τιμή' (honor) has deep historical roots and remains important in social interactions. The verb 'τιμώ' reflects this cultural value of showing respect and honor to others, especially elders, distinguished individuals, or ancestors. It's also commonly used in commercial contexts to refer to pricing goods or services.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'τιμώ' means 'to honor/respect', 'τιμωρώ' means 'to punish'. They share the same root 'τιμ-' but have opposite connotations.
Notes: Both words derive from the same ancient Greek root, but 'τιμωρώ' originally meant 'to protect one's honor' which evolved to mean 'to punish'.
Mnemonic: Think of 'τιμωρώ' as having an extra 'ωρ' which makes it negative - like 'horror' in English.
Explanation: 'Τιμώ' means 'to honor/value' while 'τελειώνω' means 'to finish/complete'. They sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings and etymologies.
Notes: The stress pattern is different: τιΜΩ vs τελειΩνω.
Mnemonic: 'Τελειώνω' contains 'τέλος' (end) - think 'telos' or 'teleology' in English.