Learn Greek › C1 › ήττα
ήττα
defeat /ˈita/
nounC1#3252 most common
Also: loss, setback
Example sentences
Η ομάδα μας είχε μια ήττα χθες.
Our team had a defeat yesterday.
Δεν μου αρέσει η ήττα στο σκάκι.
I don't like defeat in chess.
Μετά την ήττα, ο προπονητής παραιτήθηκε.
After the defeat, the coach resigned.
Η ήττα στις εκλογές τον απογοήτευσε βαθιά.
The defeat in the elections disappointed him deeply.
Παρά τις διαδοχικές ήττες, η ομάδα δεν έχασε το ηθικό της.
Despite the successive defeats, the team did not lose its morale.
Η ιστορία των ηττών ενός έθνους διαμορφώνει συχνά την εθνική του ταυτότητα εξίσου με τις νίκες του.
The history of a nation's defeats often shapes its national identity as much as its victories.
Declension
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | η ήττα | οι ήττες |
| Genitive | της ήττας | των ηττών |
| Accusative | την ήττα | τις ήττες |
| Vocative | ήττα | ήττες |
Word family
Etymology
Ήττα comes from Ancient Greek ἥττα, a noun built on the same base as ἥσσων, meaning "lesser" or "weaker". The word for defeat literally grew out of the idea of being the lesser side in a contest. Its origin before that point is not settled among etymologists, so no further root can be given with confidence.
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