δίκαιη
Wordform Details
Translation: justfairrighteous
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
femininesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: δίκαιος
Translation: just; fair; righteous; equitable; right; legitimate (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek δίκαιος (díkaios), derived from δίκη (díkē) meaning 'justice, right, custom'. The root is connected to the Proto-Indo-European *deyk- meaning 'to show, point out'. This is related to the concept of pointing out what is right or establishing boundaries of acceptable behavior. The English word 'indicate' shares this ancient root.
Example Usage
Είναι δίκαιος άνθρωπος.
He is a just person.
Θέλω μια δίκαιη λύση.
I want a fair solution.
Ένας δίκαιος κριτής πρέπει να είναι αμερόληπτος.
A fair judge must be impartial.
Δεν είναι δίκαιο να κατηγορείς κάποιον χωρίς αποδείξεις.
It's not fair to accuse someone without evidence.
Αγωνίζεται για μια πιο δίκαιη κοινωνία.
He/she fights for a more just society.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'dikē' (justice) + '-os' (adjective ending) = 'just person'
- Connect it to 'dikastis' (judge) - a judge should be 'δίκαιος' (fair)
- Sounds a bit like 'decorous' in English, which also relates to proper behavior
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
The concept of 'δίκαιος' is deeply embedded in Greek culture and philosophy, dating back to ancient times. It's a cornerstone of Greek ethical thought and appears prominently in discussions of law, politics, and social relations. The concept was central to Plato's Republic and Aristotle's Ethics, where justice was considered one of the cardinal virtues.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'δίκαιος' means 'just/fair', 'δικός' means 'own/belonging to'. They look similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Αυτό είναι το δικό μου βιβλίο.
This is my own book.
Notes: The stress falls on different syllables: 'δίκαιος' (stress on first syllable) vs 'δικός' (stress on last syllable).
Mnemonic: 'δίκαιος' has 'αι' in the middle, think 'fair' (αι = ai). 'δικός' is shorter and more personal, like 'own'.
Explanation: 'δίκαιος' is an adjective meaning 'just/fair', while 'δικαίωμα' is a noun meaning 'right/entitlement'. They share the same root related to justice.
Confused word:
Έχεις το δικαίωμα να μιλήσεις.
You have the right to speak.
Notes: 'δικαίωμα' is a noun formed from the same root as 'δίκαιος'.
Mnemonic: Think of 'δικαίωμα' as 'the thing that is just for me to have' - a right.