υποψήφιοι

Created: Sun, 27 Apr 2025 12:47

Updated: Sun, 27 Apr 2025 12:47

Wordform Details

Translation: candidatesuitoraspirant

Part of Speech: noun

Inflection Type:

masculinepluralnominative

Is Dictionary Form: No

Dictionary Form Details

View Full Lemma Page: υποψήφιος

Lemma: υποψήφιος

Translation: candidate; applicant; nominee; contender (noun)

Etymology: From Ancient Greek ὑποψήφιος (huposḗphios), from ὑπό (hupó, 'under') + ψῆφος (psêphos, 'pebble, vote'). In ancient Athens, votes were cast using pebbles, so someone 'under the pebble/vote' was a candidate being considered for election. The English word 'candidate' comes from Latin 'candidatus' (clothed in white) as Roman office-seekers wore white togas.

Example Usage

Είναι υποψήφιος για τη θέση του διευθυντή.

He is a candidate for the position of director.

Η Μαρία είναι υποψήφια δήμαρχος.

Maria is a candidate for mayor.

Οι υποψήφιοι πρέπει να υποβάλουν τα δικαιολογητικά τους μέχρι την Παρασκευή.

Candidates must submit their documents by Friday.

Mnemonics

  • Think of 'hypo' (under) + 'psifos' (vote) = someone under consideration for votes
  • Remember that 'ψήφος' (psifos) means 'vote' in Greek, so an 'υποψήφιος' is someone seeking votes

Synonyms

διεκδικητής

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No translation

μνηστήρας

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No translation

Antonyms

εκλεγμένος

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No translation

Example Wordforms

υποψήφιοι

Cultural Context

Frequently used in political discourse, especially during election periods. In Greek education, it also refers to students preparing for university entrance exams (πανελλήνιες εξετάσεις).

Easily Confused With

ψηφοφόρος

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No translation

Commonality: 0%

Explanation: While 'υποψήφιος' means 'candidate', 'ψηφοφόρος' means 'voter'. They are related through the root 'ψήφος' (vote).

This word:

Ο υποψήφιος μίλησε στο πλήθος.

The candidate spoke to the crowd.

Confused word:

Ο ψηφοφόρος έριξε το ψηφοδέλτιο στην κάλπη.

The voter cast the ballot in the box.

Notes: Both terms are essential in electoral vocabulary but represent opposite sides of the democratic process.

Mnemonic: 'Υποψήφιος' has 'υπο' (under) - the candidate is under consideration; 'ψηφοφόρος' has 'φόρος' (carrier) - the voter carries or brings the vote.