τιτάνας
Lemma: τιτάνας
Translation: titan; giant (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek Τιτάν (Titán), referring to the primordial deities who preceded the Olympian gods in Greek mythology. The word has entered many European languages including English 'titan', which refers to a person or thing of enormous size, strength, or influence. The mythological Titans were the children of Uranus (Sky) and Gaia (Earth) who ruled during the legendary Golden Age before being overthrown by the Olympian gods led by Zeus.
Example Usage
Ο Μάικλ Τζόρνταν θεωρείται τιτάνας του μπάσκετ.
Michael Jordan is considered a titan of basketball.
Αυτή η εταιρεία είναι τιτάνας στον κλάδο της τεχνολογίας.
This company is a titan in the technology sector.
Οι τιτάνες της ελληνικής μυθολογίας ήταν παιδιά του Ουρανού και της Γαίας.
The titans of Greek mythology were children of Uranus and Gaia.
Mnemonics
- Sounds like 'Titanic' - the famously enormous ship
- Think of the Titans in Greek mythology who were enormous beings with tremendous power
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In modern Greek culture, 'τιτάνας' is often used metaphorically to describe someone of exceptional ability or influence, particularly in sports, business, or the arts. The mythological Titans remain important cultural references in literature, art, and everyday expressions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'τιτάνας' refers to a mythological giant or a person of great importance, 'τιτάνιο' is the chemical element titanium.
This word:
Ο Αριστοτέλης Ωνάσης ήταν ένας τιτάνας των επιχειρήσεων.
Aristotle Onassis was a titan of business.
Confused word:
Το τιτάνιο είναι ένα ελαφρύ αλλά ανθεκτικό μέταλλο.
Titanium is a lightweight but durable metal.
Notes: Both words derive ultimately from the same mythological source, as titanium was named after the Titans due to its strength.
Mnemonic: 'Τιτάνας' ends with -ας (like Atlas, another giant) while 'τιτάνιο' ends with -ιο (like many chemical elements in Greek).
Explanation: 'Τιτάνας' is the noun (the titan/giant itself) while 'τιτανικός' is the adjective (titanic, gigantic).
Confused word:
Κατέβαλε τιτανική προσπάθεια για να πετύχει το στόχο του.
He made a titanic effort to achieve his goal.
Notes: The adjective 'τιτανικός' is more commonly used in everyday speech than the noun 'τιτάνας'.
Mnemonic: Think of 'τιτάνας' as the person/being and 'τιτανικός' as describing something with titan-like qualities.