βασανίζεται
Wordform Details
Translation: is tormentedis torturedsuffers
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularpresentpassiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: βασανίζομαι
Translation: to be tortured; to suffer; to be tormented; to agonize; to be troubled (verb)
Etymology: Passive form of the verb 'βασανίζω' (to torture, to torment). Derives from Ancient Greek 'βάσανος' (basanos), which originally referred to a touchstone used to test gold purity, later evolving to mean 'test' or 'trial' and eventually 'torture' or 'torment'. The semantic shift from testing materials to testing humans through torture reflects how the concept of verification evolved into painful examination.
Example Usage
Βασανίζομαι από τις τύψεις.
I am tormented by guilt.
Βασανίζεται από τον πονοκέφαλο εδώ και μέρες.
He has been suffering from headaches for days.
Μη βασανίζεσαι άδικα, δεν φταις εσύ.
Don't torment yourself needlessly, it's not your fault.
Βασανίστηκε πολύ πριν πάρει την απόφαση.
He agonized a lot before making the decision.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'βασανίζομαι' as 'being analyzed' - both involve a kind of mental examination that can be uncomfortable.
- The 'βασαν-' root sounds a bit like 'basin' - imagine thoughts swirling around in a basin, tormenting you.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in everyday Greek to express mental or emotional suffering, not just physical torture. Greeks often use this verb to describe overthinking a problem or being troubled by persistent thoughts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'βασανίζομαι' is passive (to be tortured/to suffer), 'βασανίζω' is active (to torture someone else).
Notes: In everyday speech, Greeks often use 'βασανίζομαι' for mental anguish, while 'βασανίζω' can be used both literally and figuratively.
Mnemonic: The '-ομαι' ending indicates something happening to you (passive), while the plain form indicates you doing it to someone else.
Explanation: While 'βασανίζομαι' means to suffer or be tormented, 'βαριέμαι' means to be bored or to not feel like doing something.
Notes: Both verbs describe negative emotional states, but 'βασανίζομαι' is much more intense and painful.
Mnemonic: Think of 'βαριέμαι' as feeling 'very' (sounds like 'βαρι-') bored, while 'βασανίζομαι' involves actual suffering.