περιθώριο
Wordform Details
Translation: marginedgeperiphery
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neutersingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: περιθώριο
Translation: margin; edge; leeway; deadline; time limit (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek 'περιθώριον' (perithṓrion), which is composed of 'περί' (perí, meaning 'around') and 'θώριον' (thṓrion, a diminutive of 'θύρα' - thýra, meaning 'door'). Originally referred to the space around the edge of a document or page, similar to how English 'margin' derives from Latin 'margo' (edge). The meaning evolved to include figurative senses of space, time allowance, and flexibility.
Example Usage
Έχουμε περιθώριο τριών ημερών για να ολοκληρώσουμε το έργο.
We have a three-day deadline to complete the project.
Γράψε στο περιθώριο της σελίδας.
Write in the margin of the page.
Δεν υπάρχει περιθώριο για λάθη.
There is no room for errors.
Οι νέοι που ζουν στο περιθώριο της κοινωνίας.
Young people who live on the margins of society.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'peri' (around) + 'thorio' (related to door/opening) as the space around a doorway or opening - like margins around text.
- Connect it to 'perimeter' in English, which also deals with edges and boundaries.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek business and administrative contexts, 'περιθώριο' is frequently used to discuss deadlines and time limits. In social discourse, the concept of marginalization ('περιθωριοποίηση') is an important social issue, with 'περιθώριο' serving as the root word for discussing social exclusion.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'περιθώριο' refers to the space or time available before a limit is reached, 'όριο' is the actual limit or boundary itself.
Confused word:
Το όριο ταχύτητας είναι 50 χιλιόμετρα την ώρα.
The speed limit is 50 kilometers per hour.
Notes: 'Περιθώριο' often implies flexibility or buffer space, while 'όριο' is more fixed and definite.
Mnemonic: 'Περιθώριο' has 'περί' (around) - think of the space around a limit; 'όριο' is the limit itself.
Explanation: 'Περιθώριο' can refer to a time limit but emphasizes the available time, while 'προθεσμία' specifically means a deadline or due date.
This word:
Έχουμε περιθώριο δύο εβδομάδων.
We have a two-week window (emphasizing the available time).
Notes: 'Περιθώριο' is more general and can apply to space, time, or figurative contexts, while 'προθεσμία' is specifically about time deadlines.
Mnemonic: Think of 'περιθώριο' as the margin of time you have, while 'προθεσμία' is the specific point in time when something is due.