αργούσαν
Wordform Details
Translation: to delayto be lateto take time
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personpluralimperfectIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: αργώ
Translation: to delay; to be late; to take time; to be slow (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἀργός (argós) meaning 'idle, lazy, slow', which is composed of ἀ- (a-) 'not' + ἔργον (érgon) 'work'. The word literally means 'not working' or 'inactive'. This root also appears in English words like 'lethargy' and is distantly related to 'energy' (which contains the same root ἔργον for 'work').
Example Usage
Θα αργήσω στη δουλειά σήμερα.
I'll be late for work today.
Γιατί άργησες τόσο πολύ;
Why did you take so long?
Άργησα στη δουλειά σήμερα.
I was late for work today.
Το λεωφορείο άργησε είκοσι λεπτά.
The bus was twenty minutes late.
Μην αργείς, σε περιμένουμε.
Don't be late, we're waiting for you.
Αργεί να καταλάβει τι εννοώ.
It takes him time to understand what I mean.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'argyle' socks which take a long time to knit - 'αργώ' means to be slow or late.
- Connect it to 'argonauts' who took a long journey (time) to find the Golden Fleece.
- Remember 'a-' (not) + 'ergo' (work) = not working, being idle, which causes delays.
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, being on time is generally less strict than in some Northern European or North American contexts. The concept of 'αργώ' is often understood with more flexibility in social settings, though professional punctuality is still valued.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Αργώ' is the verb meaning 'to be late/slow', while 'αργός' is the adjective meaning 'slow'.
Notes: These words are etymologically related, with the verb derived from the adjective.
Mnemonic: The verb 'αργώ' has an accent on the final syllable, while the adjective 'αργός' has an accent on the last syllable too but ends with -ς.
Explanation: 'Αργώ' means 'to be late/slow', while 'αγνοώ' means 'to ignore/to be unaware of'.
Confused word:
Αγνοώ τις προειδοποιήσεις του.
I ignore his warnings.
Notes: These words sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings and etymologies.
Mnemonic: 'Αργώ' has an 'ρ' (r) in it - think 'r' for 'retarded/delayed', while 'αγνοώ' has 'γν' - think 'gn' for 'ignore'.