τυφλός
Lemma: τυφλός
Translation: blind; sightless; unseeing (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek τυφλός (typhlós), possibly related to τύφος (týphos) meaning 'smoke, mist, cloud' - suggesting the idea of having one's vision obscured as if by smoke. This root gives us medical terms like 'typhlos-' (relating to blindness) in English, as in 'typhlitis' (inflammation of the cecum).
Mnemonics
- Think of 'typhlos' leading to 'typhoon' - both involve being unable to see clearly
- Remember medical terms like 'typhlitis' that use this root
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used in metaphorical contexts about willful ignorance or unquestioning faith, as in 'τυφλή πίστη' (blind faith).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While τυφλός means 'blind', κουφός means 'deaf' - both are sensory impairments but affect different senses
Notes: Both words are commonly used in metaphorical contexts: τυφλός for ignorance, κουφός for willful non-listening
Mnemonic: τυφλός (typhlos) starts with 't' like 'totally can't see'