εκλείψεις
Wordform Details
Translation: eclipse
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
femininepluralaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: έκλειψη
Translation: eclipse; disappearance; absence; extinction (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἔκλειψις (ekleipsis), meaning 'abandonment, failing, eclipse', derived from the verb ἐκλείπω (ekleipō, 'to leave out, forsake, fail'). The English word 'eclipse' comes directly from this same Greek root. The prefix 'εκ-' means 'out' and 'λείπω' means 'to leave', so the word literally means 'a leaving out' or 'a failing to appear'. This etymology reflects the ancient perception of eclipses as the sun or moon temporarily disappearing or failing to show.
Example Usage
Η ηλιακή έκλειψη θα είναι ορατή από την Ελλάδα.
The solar eclipse will be visible from Greece.
Παρατηρείται μια έκλειψη ηθικών αξιών στη σύγχρονη κοινωνία.
There is an absence of moral values in modern society.
Η έκλειψη του δεινόσαυρου συνέβη πριν από εκατομμύρια χρόνια.
The extinction of dinosaurs happened millions of years ago.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'eclipse' in English - it sounds similar to the Greek 'έκλειψη'.
- Remember 'εκ' (out) + 'λείπω' (leave) = something leaving or disappearing from view.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, eclipses were historically viewed with superstition, though today they are primarily understood as astronomical phenomena. The term is also commonly used metaphorically to refer to the decline or disappearance of values, traditions, or cultural elements.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'έκλειψη' means 'eclipse' or 'disappearance', 'έλλειψη' means 'lack' or 'shortage'. They look and sound similar but have different meanings and contexts.
This word:
Η ολική έκλειψη ηλίου είναι ένα σπάνιο φαινόμενο.
The total solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon.
Confused word:
Υπάρχει έλλειψη νερού λόγω της ξηρασίας.
There is a shortage of water due to the drought.
Notes: The prefix 'εκ-' in 'έκλειψη' suggests something going away completely (disappearing), while 'ελ-' in 'έλλειψη' suggests something being less than needed.
Mnemonic: 'Έκλειψη' has a 'κ' like 'eclipse', while 'έλλειψη' has double 'λ' like 'lack'.