στρώσανε
Wordform Details
Translation: setlayspread
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personpluralaoristIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: στρώνω
Translation: to spread; to lay out; to make (a bed); to pave; to set; to get down to work (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek στρώννυμι (strṓnnumi), meaning 'to spread out, to strew'. The root is related to Latin sternere (to spread out, strew), which gives us English words like 'stratum', 'stratify', and 'street' (originally a paved road). The core concept of spreading or laying something flat remains consistent across these cognates.
Example Usage
Έστρωσαν το δρόμο με άσφαλτο.
They paved the road with asphalt.
Η μητέρα στρώνει το τραπέζι για το δείπνο.
The mother is setting the table for dinner.
Έστρωσε μια κουβέρτα στο γρασίδι για το πικνίκ.
She spread a blanket on the grass for the picnic.
Στρώνω το κρεβάτι κάθε πρωί.
I make the bed every morning.
Έστρωσε το τραπέζι για το δείπνο.
She set the table for dinner.
Ο δήμος έστρωσε τον δρόμο με άσφαλτο.
The municipality paved the road with asphalt.
Πρέπει να στρωθώ στο διάβασμα για τις εξετάσεις.
I need to buckle down and study for the exams.
Έστρωσε το χαλί στο πάτωμα.
He laid the carpet on the floor.
Στρώνουν τον δρόμο με άσφαλτο.
They are paving the road with asphalt.
Πρέπει να στρωθώ στο διάβασμα.
I need to get down to studying.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'strewn' in English (similar sound and related meaning of spreading things out)
- Imagine 'strowin' seeds on the ground - spreading them out like στρώνω
Cultural Context
In Greek households, 'στρώνω το τραπέζι' (setting the table) is an important daily ritual that often brings family members together. The verb is also used in the expression 'στρώνομαι στη δουλειά' (to get down to work/to focus on work), which reflects the Greek work ethic.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While στρώνω means 'to spread out' or 'to lay', σέρνω means 'to drag' or 'to pull'. They sound somewhat similar but have very different meanings.
Confused word:
Σέρνω το χαλί στο πάτωμα.
I drag the carpet on the floor.
Notes: Στρώνω implies careful placement or arrangement, while σέρνω implies movement by force.
Mnemonic: Στρώνω has the 'τρ' sound like 'strew', while σέρνω sounds like 'sernow' - think of 'swerving' as you drag something.
Explanation: Στρώνω means 'to spread out' or 'to lay', while στήνω means 'to set up' or 'to erect'. They look and sound similar but have distinct meanings.
Notes: Στρώνω typically involves horizontal spreading, while στήνω involves vertical positioning or assembly.
Mnemonic: Στρώνω has 'ρω' like 'row' (think of rows being spread out), while στήνω has 'η' which looks like a vertical pole being erected.