παρατείνω
Wordform Details
Translation: extendprolonglengthenstretch out
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
first-personsingularpresentactiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: παρατείνω
Translation: to extend; to prolong; to lengthen; to postpone; to defer (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek παρατείνω (parateínō), composed of the prefix παρα- (para-, 'alongside, beyond') and τείνω (teínō, 'to stretch, extend'). The root τείνω shares the same Indo-European root (*ten-) as English words 'tension', 'extend', and 'tendon'. The prefix παρα- indicates extension along or beyond normal limits.
Example Usage
Η κυβέρνηση παρέτεινε την προθεσμία υποβολής φορολογικών δηλώσεων.
The government extended the deadline for tax returns.
Αποφάσισαν να παρατείνουν τη διαμονή τους στο ξενοδοχείο.
They decided to extend their stay at the hotel.
Η συνεδρίαση παρατάθηκε μέχρι αργά το βράδυ.
The meeting was prolonged until late at night.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'para-' (beyond) + 'teino' (stretch) = 'stretching beyond' the normal time or length.
- Connect it to English 'tension' - when you extend something, you often create tension.
- Visualize a rubber band being stretched (τείνω) alongside (παρα) its normal length.
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used in administrative, legal, and business contexts when discussing deadlines, contracts, or time periods. In everyday speech, it's commonly used when talking about extending stays, postponing events, or prolonging situations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While παρατείνω means 'to extend/prolong' (an action or period), παραμένω means 'to remain/stay' (in a place or condition).
This word:
Παρέτειναν τη συμφωνία για άλλα δύο χρόνια.
They extended the agreement for another two years.
Confused word:
Παρέμεινε στη θέση του διευθυντή για δέκα χρόνια.
He remained in the position of director for ten years.
Notes: Both verbs share the prefix παρα- but have different roots and meanings related to time and place respectively.
Mnemonic: Παρατείνω has τείνω (stretch) - you stretch time; παραμένω has μένω (stay) - you stay in place.
Explanation: Παρατείνω means to extend something that's already in progress, while αναβάλλω means to postpone something that hasn't started yet.
This word:
Παρέτειναν το ωράριο λειτουργίας του καταστήματος.
They extended the store's operating hours.
Confused word:
Ανέβαλαν τη συνάντηση για την επόμενη εβδομάδα.
They postponed the meeting until next week.
Notes: Παρατείνω implies continuation, while αναβάλλω implies rescheduling.
Mnemonic: Παρατείνω extends what's already happening; αναβάλλω pushes something into the future.