αυτό
Wordform Details
Translation: thisthat
Part of Speech: pronoun
Inflection Type:
neutersingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: αυτός
Translation: he; this; himself; same; the very (pronoun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek αὐτός (autós), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂eu- ('again, away') + *tós. The root *h₂eu- appears in words expressing reflexivity or identity. This explains why αυτός can mean both 'self' and 'same'. English 'authentic' and 'autonomy' derive from this same root.
Mnemonics
- Think 'auto-' (self) as in autobiography
- AUTOs = He himself (sounds like 'auto')
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Fundamental to Greek grammar and everyday speech. Used more frequently than in English, often for emphasis or clarity. Can appear redundant to English speakers when used with nouns for emphasis.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While αυτός can mean 'himself', εαυτός is specifically the reflexive 'self' noun
This word:
Αυτός το έκανε.
He did it.
Confused word:
Μιλάει στον εαυτό του.
He talks to himself.
Notes: αυτός is more general and versatile, while εαυτός is specifically for reflexive constructions
Mnemonic: εαυτός always needs a possessive pronoun, αυτός stands alone