σεβασμός
sevasmósmasculine
The English word respect is translated into Greek as σεβασμός (sevasmós).
σεβασμός is a masculine noun meaning admiration for a person or entity because of perceived merit. To express the action of having respect for someone or to have regard for the rights of others, you would use the related verb σέβομαι.
Meaning: admiration for a person or entity because of perceived merit (noun)
Which one should you use?
While σεβασμός is the noun 'respect', the related verb σέβομαι is used to express the action of respecting someone or something.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The genitive singular form of σεβασμός is σεβασμού, used to express 'of respect' or 'respect's'. The plural form σεβασμούς is used when referring to multiple instances or types of respect.
How do you pronounce it?
sevasmós
When do people say it?
Addressing older males as θείος can demonstrate respect even outside family contexts. Addressing older females as θεία can demonstrate respect even outside family contexts.
Did you know?
- The word σεβασμός is the linguistic root of the title Σεβαστός, which was the Greek translation of the Latin 'Augustus' used by Roman emperors.
- In Greece, the concept of σεβασμός is often physically demonstrated by kissing the hand of an elder.
- The noun σεβασμός is rooted in a sense of 'awe' or 'fear' rather than just admiration. It stems from the ancient verb σέβομαι, which originally described the feeling of standing in terror or profound wonder before a deity.
Examples in context
- Ο σεβασμός στους νόμους είναι θεμελιώδης για τη συλλογική ευτυχία.Respect for laws is fundamental to collective happiness.This sentence shows how to use σεβασμός when discussing respect for laws.Tatoeba #3542151 by glavkos, translation #9473291 by Nylez
- Οφείλουμε να δείξουμε σεβασμό στους παλαιότερους μας.We should show respect to our elders.
- Ο αδερφός μου είναι ένας πολύ σεβαστός άνθρωπος.My brother is a highly respected person.
- Ο σεβασμός προς τους ηλικιωμένους είναι σημαντικός.O sevasmós pros tous ilikioménous eínai simantikós.Respect towards the elderly is important.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “respect” translations and entries σεβασμός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σεβασμός, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
