έτρεμαν
Wordform Details
Translation: to trembleto shake with fear
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
thirdpersonpluralimperfectactiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: τρέμω
Translation: to tremble; to shake; to shiver; to quiver; to fear (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek τρέμω (trémō), which means 'to tremble, quiver, shake with fear'. This word has Indo-European roots and is cognate with Latin 'tremere' (to tremble), which gave English words like 'tremble', 'tremor', and 'tremendous' (originally meaning causing trembling or fear). The connection between the Greek and English words is quite transparent, making this an easy word to remember for English speakers.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tremendous fear' making someone tremble
- Remember the English word 'tremor' which sounds similar and has the same meaning
- Imagine someone with trembling hands saying 'τρέμω' (tremo)
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
The verb is commonly used both literally (physical trembling) and metaphorically (to express fear or anxiety). The expression 'τρέμω σαν το ψάρι' (I'm trembling like a fish) is a common idiom to express extreme nervousness or fear.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'τρέμω' means 'to tremble/shake', 'τρέχω' means 'to run'. They look and sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Τρέχω στο πάρκο κάθε πρωί.
I run in the park every morning.
Notes: The two verbs follow different conjugation patterns and are used in completely different contexts.
Mnemonic: Remember: τρέμω (tremo) - tremble; τρέχω (trecho) - track (running)
Explanation: 'Τρέμω' means 'to tremble' while 'στρέφω' means 'to turn/rotate'. They have some phonetic similarity but different meanings.
Notes: The addition of the initial 'σ' (s) sound completely changes the meaning.
Mnemonic: For 'στρέφω', think of 'steering' (turning) while for 'τρέμω', think of 'trembling'.