Τειρεσίας
Wordform Details
Translation: Tiresias
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: Τειρεσίας
Translation: Tiresias (noun)
Etymology: Τειρεσίας (Teiresias) is a name from ancient Greek mythology. The name may derive from the Greek word 'τείρω' (teiro) meaning 'to wear out, distress' or possibly from 'τέρας' (teras) meaning 'sign, wonder, marvel', reflecting his role as a seer who could interpret divine signs and omens.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'Τειρεσίας' as related to 'tears' (as in crying) - the blind prophet who saw tragic futures that would make others weep.
- Connect Τειρεσίας with 'tiresome' - his prophecies often brought tiresome news to those who consulted him.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Τειρεσίας is a significant figure in Greek mythology, a blind prophet of Apollo in Thebes. He appears in many important Greek tragedies including Sophocles' 'Oedipus Rex' and Euripides' 'The Bacchae'. In modern Greek culture, his name is often used as a reference to someone with prophetic insight or wisdom. The figure of Tiresias is notable for having experienced life both as a man and a woman according to mythology.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Θησέας (Theseus) is another figure from Greek mythology, but he was a hero and king of Athens, not a prophet like Τειρεσίας (Tiresias).
Confused word:
Ο Θησέας σκότωσε τον Μινώταυρο στον Λαβύρινθο.
Theseus killed the Minotaur in the Labyrinth.
Notes: Both are important figures in Greek mythology but played very different roles in the stories.
Mnemonic: Τειρεσίας starts with 'Τ' for 'telling the future' (prophet), while Θησέας starts with 'Θ' for 'θάρρος' (courage) of a hero.