επικράτησε
Wordform Details
Translation: prevaileddominatedwon out
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularaoristIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: επικρατώ
Translation: to prevail; to dominate; to be prevalent; to reign (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐπικρατέω (epikratéō), composed of the prefix ἐπί (epí, 'upon, over') and κρατέω (kratéō, 'to rule, to be strong'). The root κρατ- is related to English words like 'democracy' (rule by the people), 'aristocracy' (rule by the best), and 'bureaucracy' (rule by office). The concept of power and dominance is central to this etymological root.
Example Usage
Στη χώρα επικρατεί ηρεμία μετά τις εκλογές.
Calm prevails in the country after the elections.
Η άποψη που επικράτησε ήταν να αναβληθεί η συνάντηση.
The opinion that prevailed was to postpone the meeting.
Επικρατούν δύσκολες καιρικές συνθήκες σε όλη τη χώρα.
Difficult weather conditions prevail throughout the country.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'epi' (over) + 'crat' (power) = power over something
- Connect it to 'democracy' - where people have the power that prevails
- Picture a 'crater' with something standing triumphantly at the top, having prevailed over all below
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used in political and social contexts to describe dominant ideologies, conditions, or forces. In Greek news and academic discourse, this verb frequently appears when discussing social trends, political movements, or weather conditions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'επικρατώ' means 'to prevail/dominate', 'επιτρέπω' means 'to allow/permit'. Both start with 'επι-' but have very different meanings.
Notes: The prefix 'επι-' is common in Greek verbs and can modify meaning in various ways.
Mnemonic: 'Επικρατώ' contains 'κρατ' (power/rule) while 'επιτρέπω' contains 'τρέπω' (to turn/direct).
Explanation: 'Επικρατώ' means 'to prevail' while 'επικροτώ' means 'to applaud/approve'. They look and sound similar but have distinct meanings.
Confused word:
Επικροτώ την απόφασή σας.
I applaud your decision.
Notes: The difference is just one letter ('α' vs 'ο'), so pay close attention to spelling.
Mnemonic: Think of 'επικροτώ' as making a clapping sound (κροτ) to show approval.