ορίστε
Wordform Details
Translation: here you arethere you goyou're welcome
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
second-personpluralimperativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: ορίζω
Translation: to define; to determine; to set; to establish; to appoint; to designate (verb)
Etymology: From ancient Greek ὁρίζω, derived from ὅρος (horos) meaning 'boundary' or 'limit'. The root is related to English 'horizon' (literally 'the bounding circle') and 'horoscope' (time-observer). The connection to boundaries makes the meaning memorable: to define is literally to set boundaries around a concept, just as a horizon sets the boundary of what we can see.
Example Usage
Ο νόμος ορίζει τις ποινές για αυτά τα αδικήματα.
The law defines the penalties for these offenses.
Ο καθηγητής όρισε την ημερομηνία της εξέτασης.
The professor set the date of the exam.
Πρέπει να ορίσουμε τους στόχους μας.
We need to set our goals.
Η κυβέρνηση όρισε νέο υπουργό.
The government appointed a new minister.
Η κυβέρνηση όρισε νέο υπουργό Παιδείας.
The government appointed a new Minister of Education.
Ο νόμος ορίζει τις ποινές για αυτό το αδίκημα.
The law defines the penalties for this offense.
Ορίζω εγώ πότε θα φύγουμε.
I determine when we will leave.
Η εταιρεία όρισε νέο διευθυντή.
The company appointed a new director.
Πρέπει να ορίσουμε τους όρους της συμφωνίας.
We need to define the terms of the agreement.
Ο δάσκαλος όρισε την ημερομηνία της εξέτασης.
The teacher set the date of the exam.
Ορίστε, παρακαλώ!
Here you are, please!
Mnemonics
- Think 'horizon' - both words come from the same root about boundaries
- ORIent yourself by defining boundaries
- ORIginal definitions set the limits
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in academic, legal, and formal contexts. Also appears in everyday speech when giving directions or making appointments. The imperative form 'ορίστε' is used as a polite way to say 'here you are' or 'you're welcome'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: ορίζω means to define/set while οδηγώ means to drive/lead. They can be confused because both involve direction or guidance.
Confused word:
Οδηγώ το αυτοκίνητο προσεκτικά.
I drive the car carefully.
Notes: ορίζω is about establishing limits or definitions, while οδηγώ is about physical or metaphorical movement
Mnemonic: ορίζω sets boundaries (like horizon), οδηγώ moves along roads