κρατάω
Wordform Details
Translation: holdkeepretain
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
first-personsingularpresentIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: κρατάω
Translation: to hold; to keep; to retain; to maintain; to control (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κρατέω (kratéō), meaning 'to be strong, to rule, to govern'. Related to κράτος (krátos) meaning 'strength, power', which gives us English words like 'democracy' (rule by the people), 'aristocracy' (rule by the best), and 'bureaucracy' (rule by offices). The core meaning of physical holding or gripping evolved to include metaphorical holding of power or control.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'crate' - something that holds things
- Remember 'crater' - it holds whatever falls into it
- Connect to 'democracy' - people holding power
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Very common in everyday speech. Often used in social contexts like κράτα μου μια θέση (save me a seat) and in business contexts like κράτα λογαριασμό (keep track/account).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: κρατώ is the more formal/ancient form of κρατάω, both mean the same thing
This word:
Κρατάω την τσάντα σου.
I'm holding your bag.
Confused word:
Κρατώ την τσάντα σου.
I'm holding your bag.
Notes: Both forms are correct and interchangeable in most contexts, but κρατάω is more commonly used in spoken Modern Greek
Mnemonic: κρατάω is more common in everyday speech