τάσεις
Wordform Details
Translation: tendenciesinclinations
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
femininepluralaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: τάση
Translation: tendency; trend; inclination; tension; voltage (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek τάσις (tásis), meaning 'stretching, tension, extension', derived from the verb τείνω (teínō), 'to stretch, extend'. The English words 'tension', 'tetanus', and 'tone' share the same Indo-European root *ten- meaning 'to stretch'. The modern Greek word has evolved to encompass both physical tension and figurative meanings like tendency or inclination.
Example Usage
Υπάρχει μια τάση προς την ψηφιοποίηση των υπηρεσιών.
There is a tendency toward digitalization of services.
Η τάση του ρεύματος είναι 220 βολτ.
The voltage of the current is 220 volts.
Οι τάσεις της μόδας αλλάζουν κάθε σεζόν.
Fashion trends change every season.
Έχω την τάση να αργώ στα ραντεβού.
I have a tendency to be late for appointments.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tension' in English, which sounds similar and shares a meaning with τάση.
- Remember that τάση can refer to electrical 'voltage' by thinking of the tension or pressure of electricity.
- For the 'tendency' meaning, imagine something being stretched (τείνω) in a particular direction.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In modern Greek, 'τάση' is widely used in both everyday conversation and technical contexts. In business and economics, it refers to market trends, while in physics and engineering it denotes voltage or tension. The word appears frequently in discussions about social trends, fashion, and personal inclinations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'τάση' means tendency or tension, 'τάξη' means order or class. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: The difference is just one letter (σ vs ξ), but the meanings are quite distinct.
Mnemonic: Remember: τάση has to do with stretching (tension, tendency) while τάξη has to do with arranging (order, class).
Explanation: 'Τάση' means tendency or tension, while 'στάση' means stance, position, or bus stop.
Notes: The addition of the initial 'σ' changes the meaning completely.
Mnemonic: Think of 'στάση' as where you 'stand' (a position or stop), while 'τάση' is about 'tension' or direction.