ισχύει
Wordform Details
Translation: appliesis validholds true
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularpresentIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: ισχύω
Translation: to be valid; to be in force; to apply; to be strong; to prevail (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἰσχύω (iskhúō), from ἰσχύς (iskhús, 'strength, force'). The root connects to concepts of holding firm and having power, sharing origins with words related to physical and legal strength. The semantic development from physical strength to legal validity is particularly interesting, mirroring similar developments in English words like 'force' and 'enforce.'
Mnemonics
- Think of 'issue' + 'you' = 'ισχύω' - when something is 'in issue,' it's valid and in force
- Connect to 'strength' (ισχύς) - what's strong stays in force
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Frequently used in legal and administrative contexts, particularly regarding laws, regulations, and official documents. Also common in everyday speech when discussing rules or validity of documents like tickets or passes.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While ισχύω means 'to be valid/in force', υπάρχω means 'to exist'. Though sometimes interchangeable, ισχύω implies validity or effectiveness, not mere existence.
Confused word:
Το πρόβλημα υπάρχει ακόμα.
The problem still exists.
Notes: ισχύω often relates to rules, laws, and validity; υπάρχω to general existence
Mnemonic: ισχύω = Is it current? (valid now?); υπάρχω = Is it there? (exists?)