ώστε
Lemma: ώστε
Translation: so that; in order to; so as to; with the result that; therefore (conjunction)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ὥστε (hōste), composed of ὡς (hōs) meaning 'as, how' and the enclitic particle τε (te) meaning 'and'. This conjunction has maintained its purpose-expressing function from ancient times. The English cognate connection can be seen in 'so' which similarly expresses result or purpose, though English uses different constructions like 'so that' or 'in order to' where Greek uses this single word.
Example Usage
Μίλα δυνατά ώστε να σε ακούσουν όλοι.
Speak loudly so that everyone can hear you.
Έφυγε νωρίς ώστε να προλάβει το τρένο.
She left early in order to catch the train.
Έβρεχε πολύ, ώστε αναγκαστήκαμε να μείνουμε μέσα.
It was raining heavily, so we had to stay inside.
Δούλεψε σκληρά ώστε να πετύχει τους στόχους του.
He worked hard in order to achieve his goals.
Μίλησε δυνατά ώστε να τον ακούσουν όλοι.
He spoke loudly so that everyone could hear him.
Βρέχει πολύ, ώστε δεν μπορούμε να βγούμε.
It's raining heavily, so we can't go out.
Mnemonics
- Think 'Oh! So that...' - the 'ώ' sound connects to 'oh' and the meaning connects to 'so that'
- Remember 'ώστε' = 'so that' - both have 4 letters in English when you count 'so' + 'te' from the Greek
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Used in both spoken and written Greek to express purpose or result. Common in formal writing, news, and everyday conversation when explaining intentions or consequences.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: ώσπου means 'until' (temporal), while ώστε means 'so that' (purpose/result)
Confused word:
Διάβασε ώσπου να κουραστεί.
He studied until he got tired.
Notes: Both start with ώ but serve completely different grammatical functions
Mnemonic: ώστε = 'so that' (purpose), ώσπου = 'until' (time limit)