άλλωστε
Wordform Details
Translation: besidesafter allmoreover
Part of Speech: adverb
Inflection Type:
invariableIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: άλλωστε
Translation: besides; after all; anyway; moreover; furthermore (adverb)
Etymology: Derived from Ancient Greek ἄλλως (állōs) meaning 'otherwise' or 'in another way', plus the particle τε (te). The root ἄλλος (állos) means 'other' or 'another' and is cognate with Latin 'alius' and English 'else'. The word evolved to express the notion of adding another perspective or consideration to a discussion.
Example Usage
Δεν θα έρθω στο πάρτι, άλλωστε έχω πολλή δουλειά.
I won't come to the party; besides, I have a lot of work.
Άλλωστε, το είχαμε συζητήσει αυτό στο παρελθόν.
After all, we had discussed this in the past.
Δεν χρειάζεται να βιαστούμε, άλλωστε έχουμε πολύ χρόνο.
We don't need to hurry; anyway, we have plenty of time.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'all + otherwise' to remember it means 'besides' or 'after all'
- The 'άλλ-' part relates to 'else' or 'other' in English, helping you remember it introduces another point
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Frequently used in Greek conversation and writing to add supporting arguments or to introduce additional information that reinforces a point already made. It's a rhetorical device that helps create cohesion in Greek discourse.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'άλλωστε' means 'besides' or 'after all', 'αλλιώς' means 'otherwise' or 'differently'. They both derive from the same root but serve different functions in a sentence.
Confused word:
Πρέπει να φύγουμε τώρα, αλλιώς θα χάσουμε το τρένο.
We must leave now, otherwise we'll miss the train.
Notes: Both words appear frequently in everyday speech, but 'άλλωστε' connects related thoughts while 'αλλιώς' introduces consequences.
Mnemonic: 'Άλλωστε' adds information (besides), while 'αλλιώς' presents alternatives (otherwise).
Explanation: 'Άλλωστε' means 'besides' or 'after all', while 'άλλοτε' means 'at other times' or 'formerly'.
Confused word:
Άλλοτε ήταν πολύ δημοφιλές αυτό το μέρος.
This place was very popular at other times/formerly.
Notes: 'Άλλοτε' has a temporal meaning, while 'άλλωστε' is used for rhetorical purposes.
Mnemonic: 'Άλλωστε' adds a point (besides), while 'άλλοτε' refers to other times.