μάζευαν
Wordform Details
Translation: collectgatheraccumulate
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personpluralimperfectIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: μαζεύω
Translation: to collect; to gather; to pick up; to accumulate; to tidy up; to clean up (verb)
Etymology: From Medieval Greek μαζεύω (mazevo), from Ancient Greek μαζεύω (mazeúō), from μαζός (mazós, 'breast, chest') with the idea of gathering things close to one's chest. The concept of bringing things together or collecting them in one place is central to the word's meaning and has expanded to include tidying up and cleaning.
Example Usage
Μαζεύω λουλούδια από τον κήπο.
I'm picking flowers from the garden.
Μάζεψε τα παιχνίδια σου από το πάτωμα.
Pick up your toys from the floor.
Μαζεύουμε χρήματα για φιλανθρωπικό σκοπό.
We are collecting money for charity.
Πρέπει να μαζέψω το δωμάτιό μου.
I need to tidy up my room.
Μάζεψε τα πράγματά του και έφυγε.
He packed his things and left.
Μαζεύω τα παιχνίδια από το πάτωμα.
I'm picking up the toys from the floor.
Μαζεύουμε λεφτά για τις διακοπές.
We're saving money for vacation.
Οι αγρότες μαζεύουν τις ελιές το φθινόπωρο.
The farmers gather olives in autumn.
Μάζεψε τα πράγματά σου και φύγε.
Gather your things and leave.
Πρέπει να μαζέψω λεφτά για τις διακοπές.
I need to save up money for vacation.
Μάζεψε τη γλώσσα σου!
Watch your tongue! (Idiom: control what you say)
Mnemonics
- Think of 'amazing collection' - when you 'μαζεύω' something, you're collecting or gathering things in an amazing way.
- Associate with 'maze' - navigating through a maze requires gathering your thoughts and concentration, similar to how 'μαζεύω' involves gathering things together.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, 'μαζεύω' is commonly used in domestic contexts for tidying up homes, but also in agricultural settings for harvesting crops, especially olives (μάζεμα ελιών) which is an important cultural activity in many Greek communities. The word also appears in many idioms related to self-control and restraint.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'μαζεύω' means 'to collect/gather', 'μαγεύω' means 'to enchant/bewitch'. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Η μουσική της με μαγεύει.
Her music enchants me.
Notes: The difference is just one letter (ζ vs γ), but the meanings are completely unrelated.
Mnemonic: 'Μαζεύω' has a 'ζ' (z) like in 'zip' - think of zipping things together when you collect them. 'Μαγεύω' has a 'γ' (g) like in 'magic' - which is about enchantment.
Explanation: 'Μαζεύω' means 'to collect/gather' while 'μαθαίνω' means 'to learn'. They both start with 'μα' but have different meanings and contexts.
Notes: Both verbs can relate to information, but 'μαζεύω' is about collecting it, while 'μαθαίνω' is about absorbing and understanding it.
Mnemonic: 'Μαζεύω' contains 'ζε' which sounds like 'ze' in 'zealous collecting'. 'Μαθαίνω' contains 'θα' which can remind you of 'thought' - you need thoughts to learn.