πιθανή
Wordform Details
Translation: probablelikelyplausible
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
femininesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: πιθανός
Translation: probable; likely; possible; plausible (adjective)
Etymology: From ancient Greek πιθανός (pithanos), derived from πείθω (peitho) meaning 'to persuade' or 'to convince'. The connection to persuasion reflects the idea that something probable is convincing or believable. This root also gives us English words like 'python' (the mythical serpent that was persuasive/convincing in its prophecies at Delphi) and relates to the concept of being 'pithy' - concise and convincing. The semantic evolution from 'persuasive' to 'probable' shows how what convinces us becomes what we consider likely to be true.
Example Usage
Είναι πιθανό να βρέξει αύριο.
It's likely to rain tomorrow.
Η πιο πιθανή εξήγηση είναι ότι ξέχασε το ραντεβού.
The most probable explanation is that he forgot the appointment.
Θεωρώ πιθανό να κερδίσουμε τον αγώνα.
I consider it likely that we'll win the match.
Δεν είναι καθόλου πιθανό να συμβεί αυτό.
It's not at all likely that this will happen.
Η πιθανή αιτία του προβλήματος είναι η έλλειψη χρημάτων.
The probable cause of the problem is lack of money.
Mnemonics
- Think 'Python' - the snake was persuasive and probable in its prophecies
- Pi-thanos sounds like 'Pythagoras' - his theorems were probable and convincing
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in everyday conversation, news, and academic contexts. Greeks often use this word when discussing future events, weather predictions, or expressing uncertainty about outcomes.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: πιθανός refers to probability/likelihood while δυνατός means strong, loud, or possible in the sense of capability
Confused word:
Είναι δυνατό να το κάνει.
He's capable of doing it.
Notes: δυνατός can also mean 'possible' but emphasizes capability rather than likelihood
Mnemonic: πιθανός = probability (like Python's prophecy), δυνατός = dynamic strength