κείμενο
Wordform Details
Translation: textcontent
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neutersingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: κείμενο
Translation: text; passage; document; writing; manuscript (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κείμενον (keimenon), the neuter present participle of κεῖμαι (keimai) meaning 'to lie, to be placed, to be set down'. The root concept is something that 'lies there' or is 'laid down' in writing. This connects to English words like 'cemetery' (a place where bodies are 'laid to rest') through the same Indo-European root. The word emphasizes the physical, tangible nature of written material - text as something concrete that has been 'placed down' on paper or screen.
Example Usage
Διάβασε προσεκτικά το κείμενο και απάντησε στις ερωτήσεις.
Read the text carefully and answer the questions.
Το κείμενο της συμφωνίας υπογράφηκε από όλα τα μέλη.
The text of the agreement was signed by all members.
Αντέγραψε το κείμενο από το βιβλίο στο τετράδιό σου.
Copy the text from the book to your notebook.
Διαβάζω ένα κείμενο για την ιστορία.
I'm reading a text about history.
Το κείμενο είναι πολύ δύσκολο.
The text is very difficult.
Mnemonics
- Think 'key-men-o' - the KEY MENtion in any document
- Sounds like 'came in' - the text that 'came in' to be written
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Widely used in educational contexts, journalism, and formal writing. Essential term in Greek schools and universities for discussing literature, essays, and any written material.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: κείμενο refers to any text or written passage, while κεφάλαιο specifically means a chapter of a book
Notes: κείμενο is broader and can refer to any written material, while κεφάλαιο is specifically a structural division
Mnemonic: κείμενο = any text that's been 'laid down', κεφάλαιο = the 'head' (κεφάλι) section of a book