εργαλείο
Wordform Details
Translation: toolinstrument
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neutersingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: εργαλείο
Translation: tool; instrument; utensil; implement (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐργαλεῖον (ergaleîon), derived from ἔργον (érgon) meaning 'work'. The root ἔργ- (erg-) is related to English words like 'energy', 'ergonomics', and 'erg' (a unit of work). The suffix -αλείο (-aleío) forms instrumental nouns in Greek. The word literally means 'something used for work'.
Example Usage
Χρειάζομαι ένα εργαλείο για να φτιάξω το ποδήλατο.
I need a tool to fix the bicycle.
Το διαδίκτυο είναι ένα χρήσιμο εργαλείο για την έρευνα.
The internet is a useful tool for research.
Αυτό το λογισμικό είναι ένα ισχυρό εργαλείο για επεξεργασία εικόνας.
This software is a powerful tool for image editing.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ergonomics' (the study of people's efficiency in their working environment) – 'εργαλείο' is a tool that helps with work efficiency.
- The 'erg' in 'εργαλείο' relates to 'energy' and 'work' – tools help us do work with less energy.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, 'εργαλείο' can be used metaphorically to refer to something or someone that is very useful or effective. In modern contexts, it's frequently used in technology and computing to refer to software tools and utilities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'εργαλείο' means 'tool' or 'instrument', 'έργο' means 'work' or 'project'. They share the same root related to work, but refer to different concepts.
Confused word:
Το έργο θα ολοκληρωθεί μέχρι το τέλος του μήνα.
The project will be completed by the end of the month.
Notes: Both words come from the same Ancient Greek root ἔργον (érgon) meaning 'work'.
Mnemonic: 'Εργαλείο' has the extra syllables '-αλείο' (-aleio) which can remind you of 'ally' – a tool is your ally in completing work.
Explanation: 'Εργαλείο' typically refers to physical tools or implements, while 'όργανο' can mean 'instrument' in various contexts including musical instruments, body organs, or official instruments/documents.
This word:
Χρησιμοποίησε το σωστό εργαλείο για να ανοίξεις το κουτί.
Use the right tool to open the box.
Confused word:
Παίζει ένα μουσικό όργανο στην ορχήστρα.
He plays a musical instrument in the orchestra.
Notes: In some technical contexts, these words can be used interchangeably, but they have distinct primary meanings.
Mnemonic: Think of 'organ' in English – 'όργανο' can refer to musical instruments or body organs, while 'εργαλείο' is more specifically a tool for work.