Cool Greek Words Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the word 'aegis' mean?

distance

shield (correct)

model

myth

What prefix denotes distance?

tele-

What is the archetype?

the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied

What is a myth?

a traditional story explaining natural or social phenomena Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of acrobat?

someone who walks on the edge, often on tiptoe Signup and view all the answers

What does cemetery derive from?

Greek word koimame, meaning 'to sleep' Signup and view all the answers

What does cynicism refer to?

a school of Ancient Greek philosophers known as the Cynics Signup and view all the answers

What does democracy mean?

power to the people Signup and view all the answers

What does the word dinosaur mean?

terrible lizard Signup and view all the answers

What does Europe mean in Greek?

broad eye Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the word galaxy?

Greek word for milk, gala Signup and view all the answers

What is a hermaphrodite?

an organism with both male and female reproductive organs Signup and view all the answers

What distance does a marathon cover?

42.1 km or 26.1 miles Signup and view all the answers

What is marmalade made from?

honey and apple Signup and view all the answers

What does melancholy mean?

gloominess caused by excess black bile Signup and view all the answers

What does music literally mean?

art of the Muses Signup and view all the answers

What causes narcissism?

falling in love with one’s own reflection Signup and view all the answers

What does panic derive from?

the goat-god Pan Signup and view all the answers

What does phobia mean?

an irrational fear Signup and view all the answers

What does planet mean?

to wander Signup and view all the answers

What does sarcasm mean?

the act of stripping someone's flesh off with comments Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Greek Words and Their Origins

Aegis: Refers to a shield or protection, symbolizing support for an individual or organization.
Tele-: Prefix meaning distance or far-reaching.
Archetype: Represents the original model or first form from which all similar things are copied; prevalent in literature and art as a recurring theme or motif.
Myth: A traditional narrative explaining history, natural or social phenomena, often featuring supernatural elements.
Acrobat: Derives from "akri" (tip, edge) and "vaino" (to walk); signifies someone who performs feats on the edge, such as walking on tiptoes.
Cemetery: Originates from "koimame" (to sleep), linked to "koimitirion" (dormitory), illustrating a resting place.
Cynicism: Associated with the ancient Greek philosophical school of the Cynics; its name relates to a location tied to a myth about a dog snatching a sacrificial offering.
Democracy: Combines "demos" (people) and "kratos" (power), literally translating to power held by the people.
Dinosaur: Comprises "deinos" (terrible) and "savra" (lizard), characterizing these prehistoric creatures.
Europe: The name stems from "evrys" (broad) and "ops" (eye), tied to the myth of Zeus's romantic encounter with Europa.
Galaxy: Comes from "gala" (milk), linked to the creation myth of the Milky Way involving Heracles and Hera’s breast milk.
Hermaphrodite: Describes an organism possessing both male and female reproductive structures.
Marathon: A long-distance race of 42.1 km, inspired by the legendary run of Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens after a battle.
Marmalade: Though often attributed to Portuguese, it combines "meli" (honey) and "milo" (apple) from Greek origins.
Melancholy: Derives from "melas" (black) and "khole" (bile), reflecting an ancient belief that bodily humors affect mood.
Music: Literally means "art of the Muses," the nine goddesses representing arts and sciences; reflects the original purpose of a museum.
Narcissism: Roots from the myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, showcasing themes of vanity and lost love.
Panic: Named after Pan, the goat-god of the wilderness who instilled fear, often depicted with a pan flute.
Phobia: Indicates an irrational fear, derived from a Greek word meaning terror.
Planet: Comes from "planomai" (to wander), reflecting the movement of celestial bodies.
Sarcasm: Derived from "sarx" (flesh), indicating the metaphorical act of delivering harsh comments.

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Description

Explore a variety of fascinating Greek words with this flashcard quiz. Each card provides a unique word along with its definition, helping you expand your vocabulary and understanding of Greek influence in the language. Perfect for language enthusiasts and learners alike!