πειρασμός
Wordform Details
Translation: temptationtrialtest
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: πειρασμός
Translation: temptation; trial; test (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek πειρασμός (peirasmós), derived from the verb πειράζω (peirázō) meaning 'to test, to try, to tempt'. The root πειρ- (peir-) is related to the concept of 'experience' or 'trial'. This word has religious significance in Greek Orthodox tradition, appearing prominently in the Lord's Prayer ('lead us not into temptation').
Example Usage
Δεν μπορώ να αντισταθώ στον πειρασμό να φάω σοκολάτα.
I can't resist the temptation to eat chocolate.
Περνάει μεγάλο πειρασμό με την αρρώστια του.
He's going through a great ordeal with his illness.
Μη μας εισενέγκης εις πειρασμόν.
Lead us not into temptation.
Αυτό το γλυκό είναι πραγματικός πειρασμός.
This dessert is a real temptation.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'peer-as-moss' - like moss that peers at you, tempting you to touch it.
- Connect with 'piracy' - temptations are like pirates trying to steal your good intentions.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Greek Orthodox culture, 'πειρασμός' has strong religious connotations, often referring to spiritual trials or temptations from the devil. It appears in the Lord's Prayer ('και μη εισενέγκης ημάς εις πειρασμόν' - 'and lead us not into temptation'). In everyday speech, it can also refer to something irresistibly attractive, especially regarding food.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'πειρασμός' means 'temptation', 'παρασμός' refers to 'decline' or 'deterioration'.
Notes: The two words have completely different meanings and contexts of use, despite their similar sound.
Mnemonic: 'Πειρασμός' has 'πειρ' which sounds like 'pair' - pairing you with something you desire; 'παρασμός' has 'παρα' like 'para-' meaning 'beyond' or 'beside' - things going beyond normal functioning.
Explanation: 'Πειρασμός' means 'temptation' while 'πεισμός' means 'stubbornness' or 'obstinacy'.
This word:
Αντιστάθηκε στον πειρασμό να αγοράσει ένα νέο κινητό.
He resisted the temptation to buy a new phone.
Confused word:
Ο πεισμός του τον εμπόδισε να δεχτεί βοήθεια.
His stubbornness prevented him from accepting help.
Notes: These words differ by just one letter but have distinct meanings in Greek.
Mnemonic: 'Πειρασμός' has 'πειρα' which relates to 'experience/trial'; 'πεισμός' has 'πεισ' which sounds like 'pace' - someone setting their own pace, stubbornly.