λάθος
Wordform Details
Translation: mistakeerrorfaultwrong
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neutersingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: λάθος
Translation: mistake; error; fault; wrong (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek λάθος (láthos), which is related to the verb λανθάνω (lanthánō, 'to escape notice, to be hidden'). The concept evolved from something that escapes attention to an error or mistake that occurs due to oversight. The same root gives us English words like 'lethargy' (a state of sluggishness) and 'lethe' (forgetfulness).
Mnemonics
- Think of 'λάθος' as 'lost' - when you make a mistake, you've 'lost' the right way.
- Connect it to 'lethargy' (from the same root) - mistakes often happen when attention is sluggish.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, acknowledging one's mistakes is generally seen as a sign of maturity and honesty. The phrase 'λάθος μου' (my mistake) is commonly used to take responsibility. Greeks also have a saying 'από τα λάθη μαθαίνεις' (you learn from mistakes) which reflects their philosophical approach to errors as learning opportunities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'λάθος' means 'mistake' or 'error', 'λάθρα' means 'secretly' or 'clandestinely'. They sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Μπήκε λάθρα στη χώρα.
He entered the country clandestinely.
Notes: Both words actually share a distant etymological connection to the concept of 'escaping notice', but have evolved to have distinct meanings in modern Greek.
Mnemonic: 'λάθος' has an 'o' like 'oops' (a mistake), while 'λάθρα' has an 'a' like 'away' (hiding away).
Explanation: 'λάθος' means 'mistake' while 'πάθος' means 'passion'. They rhyme but have different initial consonants and completely different meanings.
Notes: These words are commonly used in everyday Greek and have very different connotations - one negative (mistake) and one generally positive (passion).
Mnemonic: 'πάθος' starts with 'π' like 'passion', while 'λάθος' starts with 'λ' like 'lapse' (a mistake).