παντελώς
Wordform Details
Translation: completelyentirelytotally
Part of Speech: adverb
Inflection Type:
invariableIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: παντελώς
Translation: completely; totally; entirely; absolutely; utterly (adverb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek παντελώς, derived from πάντως (entirely) + τέλος (end, completion). The root τέλος is cognate with English 'teleology' and 'telephone' (distant end). The prefix παν- (all) appears in English words like 'panorama' and 'pandemic'. This adverb literally means 'to the complete end' or 'in all respects to completion', making it one of the strongest intensifiers in Greek.
Mnemonics
- Think 'pan-telos' = 'all-end' = completely to the end
- Remember 'panorama' (pan-) + 'teleology' (-telos) = seeing everything to completion
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used in formal writing, academic texts, and official documents. Less common in everyday speech where εντελώς or τελείως might be preferred. Frequently appears in legal and administrative contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both mean 'completely' but εντελώς is more common in everyday speech while παντελώς is more formal and emphatic
Confused word:
Είμαι εντελώς κουρασμένος.
I am completely tired.
Notes: παντελώς carries more weight and formality, often used for emphasis in serious contexts
Mnemonic: παντελώς = formal papers, εντελώς = everyday speech