λεπτός
Wordform Details
Translation: thinslenderfinedelicate
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: λεπτός
Translation: thin; fine; slender; delicate; minute; subtle (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek λεπτός (leptós) meaning 'peeled, thin, fine', derived from the verb λέπω (lépō) 'to peel, strip'. This root appears in English scientific terms like 'lepton' (a type of subatomic particle, literally 'thin thing'), 'leptocephalus' (thin-headed), and the prefix 'lepto-' meaning thin or slender. The connection to 'peeling' helps explain why it means thin - something that has been stripped down or peeled becomes thinner.
Mnemonics
- Think 'lepton' - the thin subatomic particle
- Sounds like 'left us' - left us with something thin after peeling
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used to describe physical thinness, delicate textures, or subtle qualities. Often used in cooking contexts to describe thin cuts or fine textures, and in everyday speech to describe people's build or objects' dimensions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: λεπτός means thin/fine while λευκός means white - they look similar but have completely different meanings
Confused word:
Φοράει λευκό παλτό.
He's wearing a white coat.
Notes: Pay attention to the π vs υ in the middle of these words
Mnemonic: λεπτός has 'pt' like 'thin' has 'th' - both about size; λευκός starts with 'λευ' like 'light' - both about color