ψυχολόγος
Lemma: ψυχολόγος
Translation: psychologist (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ψυχή (psyche) meaning 'soul, mind, spirit' and λόγος (logos) meaning 'word, study, science'. The word psyche gives us many English cognates like 'psychology', 'psychic', 'psychiatric', while logos appears in countless English words ending in '-ology' (biology, geology, etc.). The combination literally means 'one who studies the mind/soul', making it a perfect cognate with English 'psychologist'. Both Greek and English borrowed this compound directly from the ancient roots.
Mnemonics
- Think 'psychologist' - it's almost identical! The Greek ψυχή (psyche) = soul/mind, λόγος (logos) = study
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Psychology as a profession has grown significantly in modern Greece, with psychologists working in schools, hospitals, and private practice. Mental health awareness has increased, making this a commonly encountered profession.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication, while a psychologist typically provides therapy and counseling but cannot prescribe drugs
Confused word:
Ο ψυχίατρος μου έδωσε φάρμακα για την κατάθλιψη.
The psychiatrist gave me medication for depression.
Notes: Both deal with mental health but have different training and capabilities
Mnemonic: ΨυχολόγΟς = talks Only, Ψυχίατρος = prescribes Pills (like pediatrician)