κατέγραφε
Wordform Details
Translation: recordedregistereddocumented
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularimperfectIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: καταγράφω
Translation: record; register; write down; document (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek καταγράφω (katagráphō), composed of the prefix κατά (katá, 'down, completely') and γράφω (gráphō, 'to write'). The prefix κατά intensifies the action, suggesting a thorough or complete writing down. The root γράφω is the source of many English words like 'graphic', 'photography', and 'biography'. The compound verb literally means 'to write down completely' or 'to make a thorough record of'.
Example Usage
Η αστυνομία κατέγραψε το περιστατικό.
The police recorded the incident.
Καταγράφουμε όλα τα δεδομένα στον υπολογιστή.
We record all the data in the computer.
Ο δημοσιογράφος κατέγραψε τις δηλώσεις του πολιτικού.
The journalist recorded the politician's statements.
Πρέπει να καταγράψεις τις ώρες εργασίας σου.
You must log your working hours.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'cata-graph' where 'cata' means 'down' and 'graph' relates to writing – literally 'writing down'.
- Imagine a 'catalog' where items are 'recorded' or 'written down' in a list.
- Connect it with 'cartography' (map-making), which involves recording geographical features.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Widely used in administrative, academic, and professional contexts in Greece. The concept of recording or documenting is important in Greek bureaucracy, which is known for its emphasis on paperwork and documentation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'γράφω' simply means 'to write', 'καταγράφω' specifically means 'to record' or 'to register' in an official or systematic way. The prefix 'κατα-' intensifies the action, implying thoroughness.
Notes: The prefix 'κατα-' often adds a sense of completeness or thoroughness to the base verb.
Mnemonic: Think of 'καταγράφω' as writing DOWN (κατα) information for official purposes, while 'γράφω' is just writing in general.
Explanation: 'Καταγράφω' means to record or document factually, while 'περιγράφω' means to describe or depict something in detail.
Confused word:
Περιγράφει λεπτομερώς το τοπίο στο βιβλίο του.
He describes the landscape in detail in his book.
Notes: Both verbs involve writing, but with different purposes and outcomes.
Mnemonic: 'Καταγράφω' is about recording facts (think 'catalog'), while 'περιγράφω' is about painting a picture with words (think 'perimeter' - describing the boundaries and details).