άθλο
Wordform Details
Translation: featachievementaccomplishment
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: άθλος
Translation: feat; achievement; exploit; labor; heroic deed (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἆθλος (âthlos), related to ἄθλον (âthlon) 'prize of contest'. This root gave English 'athlete' and 'athletic'. The concept originally referred to contests or struggles that would win prizes, eventually evolving to mean any great achievement or feat. The same root appears in pentathlon (five contests) and decathlon (ten contests).
Mnemonics
- Think 'athlete' - someone who performs great feats
- Remember Hercules' 'labors' were called 'άθλοι'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Often used in reference to mythological feats, particularly the Twelve Labors of Hercules (οι δώδεκα άθλοι του Ηρακλή). In modern usage, it often describes exceptional achievements or difficult accomplishments.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While άθλος means 'feat/achievement', άθλιος means 'miserable/wretched'
Confused word:
Νιώθω άθλιος σήμερα.
I feel miserable today.
Notes: Despite similar spelling and common etymology, these words have very different meanings in modern Greek
Mnemonic: άθλος (achievement) is positive, άθλιος (miserable) is negative