άνεμος
Wordform Details
Translation: wind
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: άνεμος
Translation: wind; breeze; gale (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἄνεμος (ánemos, 'wind'). This word shares the same Indo-European root *h₂enh₁- ('to breathe, blow') that gave English words like 'animate' and 'animal' (both related to breath/life). The connection between wind and breath/life was common in ancient thought, with wind seen as the breath of the world or gods.
Example Usage
Φυσάει δυνατός άνεμος σήμερα.
A strong wind is blowing today.
Οι άνεμοι είναι ευνοϊκοί για ιστιοπλοΐα.
The winds are favorable for sailing.
Τα λόγια του πήγαν στον άνεμο.
His words were carried away by the wind (were ignored/wasted).
Οι τέσσερις άνεμοι
The four winds (referring to the four cardinal directions)
Σπέρνει ανέμους, θερίζει θύελλες.
He who sows wind reaps storms (similar to 'you reap what you sow').
Mnemonics
- Think of 'animate' (to give life) - both share the same ancient root related to breath/air.
- The word sounds a bit like 'anemometer' in English, which measures wind speed.
- Remember the anemone flower, named because it opens when the wind blows.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
Wind has significant cultural importance in Greece, from the ancient wind god Aeolus to the naming of different winds (like 'meltemi' - the strong, dry north winds of the Aegean in summer). Greece's maritime culture and island geography make winds particularly important in daily life, navigation, and weather forecasting.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'wind', 'άνεμος' is more specific to moving air/wind as a phenomenon, while 'αέρας' can mean both 'wind' and 'air' (the substance). 'Αέρας' is more commonly used in everyday speech.
Confused word:
Χρειάζομαι καθαρό αέρα.
I need fresh air.
Notes: 'Άνεμος' is often used in more poetic or technical contexts, while 'αέρας' is more common in everyday speech.
Mnemonic: 'Άνεμος' relates to 'anemometer' (wind measurement), while 'αέρας' relates to 'aerial' (in the air).
Explanation: 'Άνεμος' refers to wind in general, while 'αύρα' specifically means a gentle breeze or light wind. 'Αύρα' can also have metaphorical meanings like 'aura' or 'atmosphere'.
Notes: 'Αύρα' is never used for strong winds, while 'άνεμος' can describe winds of any strength.
Mnemonic: Think of 'αύρα' as related to English 'aura' - both are subtle and gentle.