greece: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal (as a country name); Informal (when referring to culture/cuisine).
Quick answer
What does “greece” mean?
A country in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, officially known as the Hellenic Republic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A country in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, officially known as the Hellenic Republic.
The ancient civilization and cultural area that gave rise to classical philosophy, democracy, and foundational Western art and literature. In a broader, informal context, it can refer to Greek culture or cuisine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None for the country name. Minor differences in referring to Greek-related terms (e.g., 'Greek yoghurt' more common in UK vs. 'Greek yogurt' in US).
Connotations
Similar positive connotations of history, democracy, philosophy, and Mediterranean lifestyle in both varieties.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties as a geographical/political reference.
Grammar
How to Use “greece” in a Sentence
in Greecefrom Greeceto Greeceof GreeceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “greece” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To go Grecophile (very rare, informal)
American English
- To go Greek (e.g., in joining a fraternity/sorority, US-specific)
adverb
British English
- The dish was prepared Greek-style.
American English
- The restaurant cooks Greek-inspired dishes.
adjective
British English
- They served a lovely Greek yoghurt with honey.
American English
- We ordered a Greek salad with feta cheese.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to the Greek market, economic conditions in Greece, or doing business with Greek companies.
Academic
Discussions of ancient Greek philosophy, history, archaeology, or modern Greek politics and economics.
Everyday
Talking about holidays, food (Greek salad), or news related to the country.
Technical
In geography, political science, or classical studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “greece”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “greece”
- Misspelling as 'Grece'.
- Using 'Greece' as an adjective (e.g., 'Greece food' instead of 'Greek food').
- Confusing 'Greece' (country) with 'grease' (oil/fat).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'Hellas' is the native Greek name for the country. 'Greece' is the English exonym.
It comes from the Latin 'Graecia', used by the Romans, which referred to the land of the 'Graeci', an early Hellenic tribe they encountered.
Yes, it is a proper noun (the name of a country) and must always be capitalized.
It is often confused in spelling or pronunciation with the common noun 'grease' (fat/oil).
A country in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, officially known as the Hellenic Republic.
Greece is usually formal (as a country name); informal (when referring to culture/cuisine). in register.
Greece: in British English it is pronounced /ɡriːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡriːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's all Greek to me (idiom about incomprehensibility; uses the adjective form)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GREECE' as the place with 'GREat CEreal' (a pun on its famous ancient grains and cereals, like those used in the first Olympics).
Conceptual Metaphor
Greece is a foundation (for Western thought, democracy). Greece is a birthplace (of civilization, drama).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct adjective form for something from Greece?