νηστικοί
Wordform Details
Translation: hungryfasting
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
masculinepluralnominativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: νηστικός
Translation: hungry; fasting; on an empty stomach (adjective)
Etymology: From Medieval Greek νηστικός, from Ancient Greek νῆστις (nēstis) meaning 'not eating, fasting'. Related to the word νηστεία (nisteia) meaning 'fasting'. The root connects to the negative prefix νη- (like English 'non-') and ἐσθίω (esthiō) 'to eat', making it literally mean 'not-eating'.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'need to stick' to a fasting schedule
- The 'νη-' prefix means 'not' - 'not eating'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Particularly relevant in Greek Orthodox religious context where fasting is an important practice. Also commonly used in medical contexts when patients need to be fasting for procedures or tests.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While νηστικός means 'hungry/fasting', νηστίσιμος refers to food that is suitable for fasting periods
This word:
Είμαι νηστικός.
I am hungry/fasting.
Notes: νηστικός describes the person's state, while νηστίσιμος describes food properties
Mnemonic: νηστίσιμος ends in '-σιμος' like 'edible' - it's about the food itself