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έστω

let it be / so be it /esˈto/

adverbA2#987 most common

Also: granted, suppose (that), at least

Example sentences

Πάρε έστω ένα μήλο.
Take at least one apple.
Έλα έστω για λίγο.
Come, even if just for a little while.
Έστω ότι έχεις δίκιο.
Suppose you are right.
Θα το κάνω, έστω κι αν είναι δύσκολο.
I will do it, even if it is difficult.
Έστω x ένας πραγματικός αριθμός.
Let x be a real number.
Έστω και αν διαφωνούμε, πρέπει να συνεργαστούμε.
Even if we disagree, we must cooperate.

Word family

είμαιto be
είναιis / are
ουσίαessence, substance
έστω καιeven if, at least

Etymology

Έστω is the ancient third-person singular imperative of the verb εἰμί, meaning to be. Its literal sense was let him, her, or it be. Over time it froze into a fixed particle used to grant a premise or set up a hypothesis, much like English so be it or let x be in a proof. It survives largely unchanged from classical Greek into the modern language.

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