ενδιαφέρονταν
Wordform Details
Translation: were interested
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personpluralimperfectpassiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: ενδιαφέρομαι
Translation: were interested (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐν (en, 'in') + διά (dia, 'through') + φέρω (pherō, 'to bear, carry'). The compound literally means 'to carry within oneself' or 'to bear through', evolving to mean taking an interest in something. The root φέρω is related to English 'bear' and '-fer' words like 'transfer', 'prefer'.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'in-dia-fer' - you're carrying (fer) something through (dia) inside (in) you - your interest!
- The 'dia' part is like 'dialogue' - you're interested enough to have a dialogue about something
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
A very common verb in everyday Greek conversation, often used to express polite interest or concern. Essential in both casual and formal situations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While ενδιαφέρομαι means 'to be interested in', αφορώ means 'to concern/regard' in a more objective sense
Confused word:
Αυτό αφορά όλους μας.
This concerns all of us.
Notes: ενδιαφέρομαι is always about a subject's personal interest, while αφορώ describes objective relationships
Mnemonic: ενδιαφέρομαι is about personal interest, αφορώ is about objective relevance