απόσταση
Wordform Details
Translation: distancegapspace
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
femininesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: απόσταση
Translation: distance; gap; interval; space; remoteness (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἀπόστασις (apostasis), composed of ἀπό (apo, 'away from') + στάσις (stasis, 'standing, position'). The word literally means 'a standing away from' something. English speakers may recognize the prefix 'apo-' from words like 'apology' (speaking away from) and 'apostle' (one sent away). The root 'stasis' appears in English medical terms like 'hemostasis' (blood standing still) and 'metastasis' (change of position). This etymology helps understand that distance is conceptualized as a 'standing apart' between two points.
Mnemonics
- Think 'apostle' - someone sent to a distant place
- Apo (away) + stasis (standing) = standing away = distance
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in everyday contexts when discussing travel, geography, relationships (metaphorical distance), and measurements. Greeks often use it when giving directions or describing how far places are from each other.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both end in -σταση but have completely different meanings. Απόσταση means distance while αντίσταση means resistance or opposition.
Confused word:
Η αντίσταση είναι δυνατή.
The resistance is strong.
Notes: The prefixes are key: ἀπό means 'away from' while ἀντί means 'against, opposite to'
Mnemonic: Apo = away (distance), Anti = against (resistance)