greek: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal for literal uses; informal/slang for verbal sense.
Quick answer
What does “greek” mean?
Relating to Greece, its people, or the ancient or modern Greek language.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to Greece, its people, or the ancient or modern Greek language.
As a noun: a person from Greece; the Greek language. Informally (verb): to cheat or swindle (dated, offensive). Also, 'Greek to me': something incomprehensible.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Little difference in core meaning. The offensive verb 'to greek' (to swindle) is chiefly US historical slang.
Connotations
Generally neutral or positive (culture, history). The informal verb is strongly negative.
Frequency
Core meaning equally frequent. The idiom 'Greek to me' is common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “greek” in a Sentence
It's [adjective] Greek to [pronoun].[verb] like a Greek[adjective] + Greek + [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “greek” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare/Historical) I think he tried to greek me in that card game.
American English
- (Dated) The con artist greeked the tourists out of their savings.
adjective
British English
- We're studying Greek philosophy this term.
American English
- We're taking a Greek history class this semester.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific contexts (e.g., 'Greek bonds', 'Greek shipping').
Academic
Very common in Classics, History, Linguistics, Philosophy.
Everyday
Common when discussing travel, food, or describing something confusing.
Technical
In maths/science: Greek letters used as symbols (alpha, beta).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “greek”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “greek”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “greek”
- Incorrect: 'He is a Greece.' Correct: 'He is Greek.' or 'He is from Greece.'
- Capitalisation: Always capitalise 'Greek'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's dated and offensive slang meaning 'to cheat or swindle'. It's not in common use today.
They are largely synonymous, but 'Hellenic' is more formal/academic, especially for historical and cultural contexts.
Yes, as it is a proper adjective/noun derived from a country name (Greece).
Not generally, as it's a fixed idiom about incomprehensibility, not a comment on Greek people. However, sensitivity is advised in context.
Relating to Greece, its people, or the ancient or modern Greek language.
Greek is usually neutral to formal for literal uses; informal/slang for verbal sense. in register.
Greek: in British English it is pronounced /ɡriːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡrik/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's (all) Greek to me.”
- “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GREEk people drink from a GREE-n (green) bottle in GREECE.
Conceptual Metaphor
INCOMPREHENSIBILITY IS AN UNKNOWN LANGUAGE.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'It's all Greek to me' express?