θητεία
Wordform Details
Translation: servicetermmilitary service
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
femininesingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: θητεία
Translation: service; term of service; military service; tenure (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek θητεία (thēteía), derived from θής (thḗs) meaning 'hired laborer' or 'serf'. In ancient Athens, the thetes were the lowest social class of free citizens who often served as laborers or in the military. The word evolved to describe obligatory service, particularly military service, and later any fixed term of service in a position.
Example Usage
Η στρατιωτική θητεία στην Ελλάδα διαρκεί δώδεκα μήνες.
Military service in Greece lasts twelve months.
Ο πρόεδρος ολοκλήρωσε τη θητεία του μετά από τέσσερα χρόνια.
The president completed his term after four years.
Η θητεία του ως καθηγητής στο πανεπιστήμιο ήταν πολύ επιτυχημένη.
His tenure as a professor at the university was very successful.
Υπηρέτησε τη θητεία του στο ναυτικό.
He served his term in the navy.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'theater' (similar sound) where actors 'serve' their time on stage for a specific period.
- Associate with 'thesis' - just as a thesis requires dedicated time and service to complete, θητεία represents a period of dedicated service.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greece, 'θητεία' most commonly refers to mandatory military service, which is required for all male citizens. The length and nature of this service has changed over time with political and social developments. The term is also used in political contexts to refer to terms of office for elected officials or appointments.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'θητεία' refers specifically to a fixed term of service or tenure, 'υπηρεσία' is a broader term meaning 'service' in general, including services provided by businesses or government agencies.
Confused word:
Η υπηρεσία εξυπηρέτησης πελατών είναι κλειστή σήμερα.
The customer service department is closed today.
Notes: 'Θητεία' has a more specific, institutional meaning related to obligatory or formal periods of service, while 'υπηρεσία' is more general.
Mnemonic: Think of 'θητεία' as time-bound service (like a term), while 'υπηρεσία' is service in general.
Explanation: 'Θητεία' refers to the period or term of service, while 'θέση' means 'position' or 'post' itself, not the duration of holding it.
Confused word:
Κατέχει μια σημαντική θέση στην εταιρεία.
He holds an important position in the company.
Notes: Though they sound similar and are conceptually related, one refers to the duration of service and the other to the position itself.
Mnemonic: 'Θητεία' is about time (how long), 'θέση' is about place (where you serve).