συνεπής
Wordform Details
Translation: consistentcoherentpunctual
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
nominativesingularmasculine/feminineIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: συνεπής
Translation: consistent; consequent; punctual; reliable; coherent (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek συνεπής (sunepēs), from σύν (syn, 'with, together') + ἔπος (epos, 'word'). The original meaning was 'following logically', literally 'with words that follow each other'. The English cognate 'consistent' has a similar conceptual foundation, from Latin consistere ('to stand together'), reflecting the idea of parts that align or agree with each other.
Example Usage
Είναι πάντα συνεπής στα ραντεβού του.
He is always punctual for his appointments.
Ο καθηγητής είναι συνεπής στις υποχρεώσεις του.
The professor is consistent in his obligations.
Πρέπει να είσαι συνεπής με τις αρχές σου.
You must be consistent with your principles.
Είναι συνεπής υπάλληλος και αξίζει προαγωγή.
He is a reliable employee and deserves a promotion.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'syn' (together) + 'epos' (word) as words that follow each other in a logical sequence, just like a consistent person's actions follow their words.
- Connect it to 'consequence' in English - both share the idea of things following logically from one another.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Being 'συνεπής' (punctual and reliable) is highly valued in Greek professional and social contexts. In business settings, being on time and following through on commitments demonstrates respect and professionalism.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'συνεπής' means 'consistent' or 'punctual', 'συνεχής' means 'continuous' or 'constant'. They look and sound similar but have different meanings.
Notes: The pronunciation differs slightly: συνεπής (si-ne-PIS) vs. συνεχής (si-ne-HIS).
Mnemonic: 'Συνεπής' has 'επ' which can remind you of 'επόμενος' (next) - someone who is on time for what comes next. 'Συνεχής' has 'εχ' which can remind you of things that keep going.
Explanation: 'Συνεπής' is an adjective meaning 'consistent/punctual', while 'συνεπώς' is an adverb meaning 'consequently/therefore'.
Confused word:
Άργησε στη δουλειά, συνεπώς έχασε τη σύσκεψη.
He was late for work, therefore he missed the meeting.
Notes: 'Συνεπώς' is actually derived from 'συνεπής' but functions as a logical connector in sentences.
Mnemonic: Think of 'συνεπώς' as the logical result ('therefore') of being 'συνεπής' (consistent).