υποδοχή
Lemma: υποδοχή
Translation: reception; welcome; socket; receptacle; holder; acceptance; hosting (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ὑποδοχή (hupodochḗ), from the verb ὑποδέχομαι (hupodéchomai) meaning 'to receive, welcome'. The prefix ὑπο- (hupo-) means 'under, beneath' and δέχομαι (déchomai) means 'to receive, accept'. The word literally conveys the idea of 'receiving under one's roof' or 'taking in'. English words with similar roots include 'docile' (teachable, receptive) and 'doctor' (one who receives knowledge), all stemming from the Indo-European root *dek- meaning 'to take, accept'.
Example Usage
Η υποδοχή των επισκεπτών ήταν πολύ θερμή.
The reception of the visitors was very warm.
Χρειάζομαι μια υποδοχή για το φορτιστή του κινητού μου.
I need a socket for my mobile phone charger.
Στην υποδοχή του ξενοδοχείου θα βρείτε όλες τις πληροφορίες.
At the hotel reception desk you will find all the information.
Η υποδοχή της ιδέας από το κοινό ήταν ενθουσιώδης.
The acceptance of the idea by the public was enthusiastic.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'hypo' (under) + 'doche' (receiving) as 'receiving under your roof'
- Connect it to 'doctor' in English (one who receives knowledge) to remember the 'receiving' aspect
- Visualize a socket 'receiving' a plug to remember the technical meaning
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, the concept of 'υποδοχή' is closely tied to the value of hospitality (φιλοξενία), which has been important since ancient times. Greeks traditionally place great emphasis on welcoming guests properly. In modern contexts, the word is used both for social receptions and in technical contexts like electrical sockets or computer ports.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'υποδοχή' means 'reception' or 'welcome', 'αποδοχή' means 'acceptance' or 'approval'. The prefix is different: 'υπο-' (under) vs 'απο-' (from).
This word:
Η υποδοχή των καλεσμένων έγινε στην αυλή.
The reception of the guests took place in the courtyard.
Confused word:
Η αποδοχή της πρότασής του ήταν ομόφωνη.
The acceptance of his proposal was unanimous.
Notes: The confusion often stems from the similar suffixes and the fact that both relate to receiving something, but in different contexts.
Mnemonic: Remember 'υποδοχή' has to do with receiving people or things (like a reception desk), while 'αποδοχή' is about accepting ideas or proposals.
Explanation: Though they sound somewhat similar, 'υποδοχή' means 'reception' while 'προδοσία' means 'betrayal'. They have completely different meanings and roots.
This word:
Η υποδοχή στο νέο μέλος της ομάδας ήταν εγκάρδια.
The welcome to the new team member was cordial.
Notes: These words have very different emotional connotations - positive for 'υποδοχή' and negative for 'προδοσία'.
Mnemonic: Think of 'υποδοχή' with 'υπο' (under) as taking someone under your roof (welcoming), while 'προδοσία' with 'προ' (before) as turning against someone before they expect it.