δηγιέται
Wordform Details
Translation: narratetellrecount
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularpresentIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: διηγούμαι
Translation: to narrate; to tell; to relate; to recount (verb)
Etymology: From ancient Greek διηγέομαι, composed of διά (through, across) + ἡγέομαι (to lead, guide). The root ἡγέομαι is related to the English word 'hegemony' (leadership, dominance). The prefix διά suggests 'leading through' a story or account, which evolved into the meaning of narrating or telling. This verb has maintained its classical form and meaning through centuries, making it a direct link to ancient Greek literature and storytelling traditions.
Example Usage
Μου διηγήθηκε την ιστορία της ζωής του.
He narrated to me the story of his life.
Ο παππούς διηγείται παλιές ιστορίες στα εγγόνια του.
The grandfather tells old stories to his grandchildren.
Διηγήσου μας τι συνέβη στο ταξίδι.
Tell us what happened during the trip.
Ο παππούς μου διηγείται ιστορίες από τον πόλεμο.
My grandfather narrates stories from the war.
Μου διηγήθηκε τι συνέβη στις διακοπές.
He told me what happened during the vacation.
Διηγήσου μας την περιπέτειά σου.
Tell us about your adventure.
Η γιαγιά διηγείται παραμύθια στα εγγόνια της.
Grandmother tells fairy tales to her grandchildren.
Mnemonics
- Think 'dialogue' - both start with 'di' and involve telling/speaking
- Remember 'dia-' (through) + 'guide' = guiding through a story
Cultural Context
Often used in literary contexts, formal storytelling, and academic writing. Common in Greek literature classes and when discussing narratives or historical accounts. Less frequent in casual conversation compared to simpler verbs like 'λέω'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: λέω is the general verb 'to say/tell' while διηγούμαι specifically means 'to narrate/recount' with more formal, structured storytelling connotations
This word:
Διηγήθηκε όλη την περιπέτειά του με λεπτομέρειες.
He narrated his entire adventure in detail.
Notes: διηγούμαι implies a more elaborate, structured account while λέω is for basic communication
Mnemonic: διηγούμαι = detailed storytelling, λέω = simple telling