πολύτιμων
Wordform Details
Translation: valuableprecious
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
femininepluralgenitiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: πολύτιμος
Translation: precious; valuable; invaluable; priceless; costly (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek πολύτιμος (polútimos), composed of πολύς (polús, 'much, many') and τιμή (timḗ, 'honor, value, price'). The word literally means 'of much value' or 'highly priced'. The English word 'polymath' shares the same root πολύς, while words like 'timocracy' (a form of government where possession of property is a qualification for office) share the root τιμή.
Mnemonics
- Think 'poly' (many) + 'time' (value) = 'many-valued' or very valuable
- Remember 'poly' as in 'polygon' (many sides) and 'timios' sounds like 'timely' - something timely is often valuable
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, the concept of something being 'πολύτιμος' extends beyond material value to include emotional and spiritual significance. It's commonly used to describe family relationships, time, and heritage as well as physical objects like jewelry or artifacts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'πολύτιμος' means 'valuable/precious', 'πολυτελής' means 'luxurious/sumptuous'. Both share the prefix 'πολύ' (much/many) but have different second components.
Notes: Both words can describe high-end items, but 'πολύτιμος' emphasizes intrinsic value while 'πολυτελής' emphasizes extravagance and luxury.
Mnemonic: For 'πολύτιμος', think 'timē' (value/price); for 'πολυτελής', think 'telos' (end/purpose) - luxury is the end goal.
Explanation: 'Πολύτιμος' means 'valuable/precious' while 'τίμιος' means 'honest/honorable'. They share the root 'τιμή' (honor/value) but have different connotations.
Notes: Both words relate to worth, but 'πολύτιμος' refers to material or emotional value, while 'τίμιος' refers to moral character.
Mnemonic: 'Πολύτιμος' has 'πολύ' (much) + 'τιμή' (value) = high value; 'τίμιος' has just 'τιμή' (honor) = honorable.