Meaning
Doing something in a very formal or official manner.
Cultural Background
In the Greek Orthodox Church, rituals are never 'casual.' The concept of 'επισημότητα' is tied to the 'Typikon' (the set of rules for services). Doing something 'with every formality' in a church context means following centuries-old liturgical traditions. National holidays (March 25, Oct 28) are moments of collective pride. The 'επισημότητα' of the parades serves to reinforce the continuity of the Greek state and its military history. Even in small villages, the annual feast of the patron saint is a matter of great 'επισημότητα.' It is a time when the local community shows its best face to visitors and the clergy. Greek universities take graduation (orkomosia) very seriously. It is a formal oath-taking ceremony, often involving religious elements, and is always described with this phrase.
Journalistic Flair
If you are writing an essay for a C1 exam, starting a paragraph with 'Με κάθε επισημότητα...' will immediately signal to the examiner that you have mastered the formal register.
Don't Overuse
Reserve this for truly significant events. If you use it for a small office meeting, it sounds like you are mocking the boss.
Meaning
Doing something in a very formal or official manner.
Journalistic Flair
If you are writing an essay for a C1 exam, starting a paragraph with 'Με κάθε επισημότητα...' will immediately signal to the examiner that you have mastered the formal register.
Don't Overuse
Reserve this for truly significant events. If you use it for a small office meeting, it sounds like you are mocking the boss.
The Church Factor
In Greece, 'επισημότητα' almost always implies the presence of a priest or bishop. If there's no religious element, 'επίσημα' might be safer.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the formal news report.
Η ορκωμοσία του νέου Προέδρου έγινε ___ ___ ___ στο Κοινοβούλιο.
The fixed phrase 'με κάθε επισημότητα' is the only one that fits the formal context of a presidential swearing-in.
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to use 'με κάθε επισημότητα'?
Which event fits the phrase?
Military parades are the quintessential example of events conducted with full protocol and 'επισημότητα.'
Complete the dialogue between two friends discussing a wedding.
Κώστας: Πώς ήταν ο γάμος του Πέτρου; Γιάννης: Ήταν φανταστικός! Όλα έγιναν _________________.
This phrase naturally describes a wedding that followed all traditional and formal steps.
Match the verb with the phrase 'με κάθε επισημότητα' to create a logical sentence.
Match: 1. Η τελετή... 2. Ο πρέσβης... 3. Τα εγκαίνια...
These verbs (performed, received, carried out) are the standard formal collocations for this phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΗ ορκωμοσία του νέου Προέδρου έγινε ___ ___ ___ στο Κοινοβούλιο.
The fixed phrase 'με κάθε επισημότητα' is the only one that fits the formal context of a presidential swearing-in.
Which event fits the phrase?
Military parades are the quintessential example of events conducted with full protocol and 'επισημότητα.'
Κώστας: Πώς ήταν ο γάμος του Πέτρου; Γιάννης: Ήταν φανταστικός! Όλα έγιναν _________________.
This phrase naturally describes a wedding that followed all traditional and formal steps.
Match: 1. Η τελετή... 2. Ο πρέσβης... 3. Τα εγκαίνια...
These verbs (performed, received, carried out) are the standard formal collocations for this phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot quite. 'Officially' is 'επίσημα.' Our phrase means 'with all the ceremonies and protocols that make something official.' It's about the *way* it's done, not just the fact.
Only if you're being funny. It's like saying 'The 5-year-old's birthday was conducted with all the gravity of a state funeral.'
You could say 'άτυπα' (informally/unofficially) or 'σε στενό κύκλο' (in a close/private circle).
Yes, for major events like signing a merger or opening a new factory, but not for daily tasks.
Yes, but it functions as an intensifier meaning 'all possible' or 'full.'
Yes, it's a very common variation that emphasizes the multiple steps of a long ceremony.
Only if you are inviting someone to a very formal event, like a wedding, or being ironic.
Break it down: E-pi-si-MO-ti-ta. Think of 'EPIC' + 'SEE' + 'MO' + 'TEA' + 'TA'.
It has its roots there, but it is perfectly standard and natural in modern 'Demotic' Greek today.
Γίνομαι (to happen), πραγματοποιούμαι (to be carried out), τελούμαι (to be performed), and υποδέχομαι (to welcome).
Related Phrases
με το γράμμα του νόμου
similarBy the letter of the law.
με τιμές αρχηγού κράτους
specialized formWith honors of a head of state.
στα χαρτιά
contrastOn paper / formally but not in reality.
με κάθε μεγαλοπρέπεια
builds onWith every magnificence.
