δόρυ
Wordform Details
Translation: spearlance
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neutersingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: δόρυ
Translation: spear; lance; javelin (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek δόρυ (dóru), meaning 'wood, tree, beam, shaft of a spear, spear'. This word has Indo-European roots related to 'tree' and 'wood'. The English word 'tree' shares distant etymological connections through the Proto-Indo-European root *deru-, which referred to something firm or solid like wood.
Example Usage
Οι αρχαίοι Έλληνες οπλίτες πολεμούσαν με δόρυ και ασπίδα.
The ancient Greek hoplites fought with spear and shield.
Το δόρυ ήταν το κύριο όπλο επίθεσης στην αρχαία Ελλάδα.
The spear was the main offensive weapon in ancient Greece.
Οι αρχαίοι Έλληνες πολεμιστές χρησιμοποιούσαν το δόρυ ως κύριο όπλο τους.
Ancient Greek warriors used the spear as their main weapon.
Το δόρυ ήταν φτιαγμένο από ξύλο με μεταλλική αιχμή.
The spear was made of wood with a metal tip.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'δόρυ' as related to the English word 'durable' - spears were durable weapons made of wood.
- Connect it to 'dormant' - a spear at rest before battle.
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In modern Greek, this word is primarily used in historical or literary contexts when referring to ancient weapons. It has strong associations with Ancient Greek warfare, particularly the hoplite soldiers who carried spears as their primary weapons.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'δόρυ' (dóry) means 'spear', 'δώρο' (dóro) means 'gift'. They look and sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings and etymologies.
Notes: δόρυ is primarily used in historical contexts, while δώρο is common in everyday modern Greek.
Mnemonic: Remember: δόρυ (spear) has 'υ' at the end, like the pointed tip of a spear; δώρο (gift) has 'ο' at the end, like a wrapped present.