Πολύφημο
Wordform Details
Translation: Polyphemus
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: Πολύφημος
Translation: Polyphemus; Cyclops (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek Πολύφημος (Polyphēmos), derived from πολύς (polys) meaning 'many' and φήμη (phēmē) meaning 'speech, voice, fame'. The name literally means 'abounding in songs and legends' or 'much spoken of'. In Greek mythology, Polyphemus was a one-eyed giant Cyclops encountered by Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey.
Example Usage
Ο Οδυσσέας τύφλωσε τον Πολύφημο για να δραπετεύσει από τη σπηλιά του.
Odysseus blinded Polyphemus to escape from his cave.
Ο Πολύφημος ήταν ένας από τους πιο γνωστούς Κύκλωπες στην ελληνική μυθολογία.
Polyphemus was one of the most famous Cyclopes in Greek mythology.
Ο Πολύφημος ήταν ένας από τους Κύκλωπες στην ελληνική μυθολογία.
Polyphemus was one of the Cyclopes in Greek mythology.
Mnemonics
- Think 'poly' (many) + 'famous' to remember Polyphemus, the famous Cyclops from mythology
- The 'poly' in Polyphemus can remind you of his many sheep that Odysseus used to escape
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Polyphemus is a significant figure in Greek mythology, appearing in Homer's Odyssey as the Cyclops who imprisons Odysseus and his men in his cave. Odysseus blinds him and escapes by hiding under sheep. The story is well-known in Greek culture and is often referenced in literature, art, and education.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: The lowercase 'πολύφημος' is an adjective meaning 'famous' or 'renowned', while the capitalized 'Πολύφημος' refers specifically to the mythological character.
Confused word:
Ο Αλέξανδρος ο Μέγας ήταν πολύφημος στρατηλάτης.
Alexander the Great was a renowned military leader.
Notes: In Greek, proper nouns are capitalized just as in English.
Mnemonic: Capital Π for the Person (Polyphemus), lowercase π for the property (famous).