περίεργο
Wordform Details
Translation: strangecuriousoddpeculiar
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
neutersingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: περίεργος
Translation: curious; nosy; inquisitive; strange; peculiar (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek περί (around, about) + ἔργον (work, deed). The meaning evolved from 'overly careful about work' to 'overly interested in things'
Mnemonics
- Think 'peri' (around) + 'ergos' (work) = someone who looks around at everything, being curious
- Sounds like 'peering' in English, which is what curious people do
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used both positively (showing interest) and negatively (being nosy). In Greek culture, being περίεργος can be seen as both a virtue and a fault, depending on context.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both can mean 'strange', περίεργος focuses more on curiosity and nosiness, while παράξενος focuses more on oddness or weirdness
Confused word:
Έχει παράξενη συμπεριφορά.
He has strange behavior.
Notes: περίεργος can be both a personality trait (curious) and a description (strange), while παράξενος is primarily descriptive
Mnemonic: περίεργος has 'εργ' (work) - actively working to know more; παράξενος is more passive strangeness