φόβο
Wordform Details
Translation: feardreadanxiety
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: φόβος
Translation: fear; dread; phobia; anxiety; terror (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek φόβος (phóbos), meaning 'fear', 'panic', or 'flight'. The word is related to the verb φέβομαι (phébomai) meaning 'to flee in terror'. This root has given English the suffix '-phobia' used in words like 'claustrophobia' (fear of enclosed spaces) or 'arachnophobia' (fear of spiders). In Greek mythology, Phobos was the personification of fear and panic, and one of the sons of Ares (god of war) and Aphrodite.
Example Usage
Ο φόβος είναι κακός σύμβουλος.
Fear is a bad advisor.
Έχω φόβο για τα ύψη.
I have a fear of heights.
Ο φόβος του θανάτου είναι φυσικός.
The fear of death is natural.
Μην αφήνεις το φόβο να σε κυριεύσει.
Don't let fear overcome you.
Νίκησε τους φόβους σου.
Overcome your fears.
Με κυρίευσε ο φόβος.
Fear overcame me.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'phobia' in English, which comes directly from this Greek word.
- Remember the Greek god Phobos, the personification of fear.
- The 'φ' (phi) sound at the beginning can remind you of someone fearfully saying 'f-f-f' when scared.
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, the concept of fear (φόβος) is often discussed in relation to courage and overcoming challenges. There are many Greek proverbs and sayings about fear, such as 'Ο φόβος φυλάει τα έρμα' (Fear guards the wilderness/Fear keeps you safe), suggesting that a healthy amount of fear can be protective.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'φόβος' means 'fear', 'φθόνος' means 'envy' or 'jealousy'. They look and sound somewhat similar but express very different emotions.
Notes: Both words describe strong emotions but in completely different emotional domains.
Mnemonic: Think: 'φόβος' has one consonant (β) in the middle like 'fear' has one syllable, while 'φθόνος' has two consonants (θν) like 'envy' has two syllables.
Explanation: 'Φόβος' means 'fear' while 'φόρος' means 'tax'. They differ by just one letter (β vs ρ).
Notes: These words are commonly confused by beginners due to their similar spelling and pronunciation.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'φόβος' with 'β' is for 'being afraid' while 'φόρος' with 'ρ' is for 'revenue' collection.