κινδυνεύουμε
Wordform Details
Translation: we are in dangerwe risk
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
first-personpluralpresentactiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: κινδυνεύω
Translation: to be in danger; to risk; to be at risk; to be endangered; to be imperiled (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κινδυνεύω (kinduneuō), derived from κίνδυνος (kindunos) meaning 'danger, hazard, risk'. The word κίνδυνος has uncertain origins but may be related to Proto-Indo-European *ḱend- ('to strike, push'). The concept of danger as something that 'strikes' or 'pushes' against one's safety is embedded in the word's history.
Example Usage
Το σπίτι κινδυνεύει να πλημμυρίσει.
The house is in danger of flooding.
Κινδυνεύει να χάσει τη δουλειά του.
He risks losing his job.
Πολλά είδη ζώων κινδυνεύουν με εξαφάνιση.
Many animal species are endangered with extinction.
Μην κινδυνεύεις τη ζωή σου για τέτοιες ανοησίες.
Don't risk your life for such nonsense.
Δεν κινδυνεύεις αν ακολουθήσεις τις οδηγίες.
You won't be in danger if you follow the instructions.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'kin-danger-evade' - when your kin (family) is in danger, you need to evade it.
- The 'κινδ-' part sounds a bit like 'kindle' - something that can spark danger if not handled carefully.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
The concept of risk and danger is important in Greek culture, where expressions about risk-taking and avoiding danger are common in everyday speech. The verb is often used in news reports about environmental threats, economic crises, and public safety issues.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'κινδυνεύω' means to be in danger or at risk, 'κινδυνολογώ' means to scaremonger or to speak about dangers in an exaggerated way.
Confused word:
Μην κινδυνολογείς συνέχεια, δεν είναι τόσο σοβαρή η κατάσταση.
Don't keep scaremongering, the situation isn't that serious.
Notes: The distinction is important in political and media contexts, where accusations of 'κινδυνολογία' (scaremongering) are common.
Mnemonic: 'κινδυνεύω' is about being in actual danger; 'κινδυνολογώ' adds '-λογώ' (to speak) - so it's about talking about danger, often exaggeratedly.
Explanation: 'κινδυνεύω' generally means to be in danger passively, while 'διακινδυνεύω' emphasizes actively taking or facing a risk.
Confused word:
Διακινδύνευσε τη ζωή του για να σώσει το παιδί.
He risked his life to save the child.
Notes: 'διακινδυνεύω' often implies a conscious choice to face danger, while 'κινδυνεύω' can describe any situation of being at risk.
Mnemonic: The prefix 'δια-' adds intensity - 'διακινδυνεύω' is about actively going through (δια) danger.