όμοιό
Wordform Details
Translation: similaralikeresembling
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: όμοιος
Translation: similar; alike; like; resembling; same (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ὅμοιος (hómoios), meaning 'like, resembling'. The word shares the same Indo-European root *som- (one, together) that appears in English words like 'same' and 'homogeneous'. This root emphasizes the concept of unity or similarity. The Greek prefix 'homo-' in English words like 'homogeneous', 'homosexual', and 'homonym' all derive from this same Greek root, conveying the meaning of 'same'.
Example Usage
Τα δύο αδέρφια είναι πολύ όμοια.
The two brothers are very similar.
Έχουμε όμοιες απόψεις για το θέμα.
We have similar views on the issue.
Αυτό το βιβλίο είναι όμοιο με εκείνο που διάβασα πέρυσι.
This book is similar to the one I read last year.
Όμοιος στον όμοιο κι η κοπριά στα λάχανα.
Birds of a feather flock together (literally: Like to like and manure to cabbage).
Mnemonics
- Think of the English word 'homogeneous' (meaning uniform or similar throughout) which comes from the same Greek root.
- Remember 'homo-' as in 'homosexual' (same sex) to recall that 'όμοιος' means 'same' or 'similar'.
- The 'o' sound repeats in 'όμοιος' - similar sounds for a word meaning 'similar'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
The concept of similarity and likeness is important in Greek culture, particularly in philosophical contexts where the idea of 'like attracts like' (όμοιος ομοίω) has been influential since ancient times. This concept appears in various Greek proverbs and sayings.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'όμοιος' means 'similar' or 'alike', 'ίδιος' can mean 'same' or 'identical' but also 'self' or 'own'. 'Ίδιος' often implies exact sameness, while 'όμοιος' suggests similarity but not necessarily identity.
Confused word:
Φοράμε το ίδιο πουκάμισο.
We are wearing the same shirt.
Notes: In some contexts, these words can be used interchangeably, but 'ίδιος' often has a stronger implication of identity or sameness.
Mnemonic: Think of 'όμοιος' as 'homogeneous' (similar throughout) and 'ίδιος' as 'identical' (exactly the same).
Explanation: 'Όμοιος' means 'similar' while 'ομαλός' means 'smooth', 'even', or 'normal'. They look somewhat similar but have different meanings.
Confused word:
Ο δρόμος είναι ομαλός.
The road is smooth.
Notes: Both words begin with 'ομ-' but have different roots and meanings.
Mnemonic: For 'ομαλός', think of a 'smooth' road with no bumps - it's 'normal' and 'even'.