17.1 All the verbs we have studied so far have VERB STEMS that end in a consonant. Many verbs, however, have stems that end in one of three short vowels: –ε, –α, or –ο. For these verbs, the final vowel of the stem CONTRACTS with the THEMATIC VOWEL of –ω verbs. These so-called έω, άω, and όω verbs are called CONTRACT VERBS.
To inform readers that a verb is a contract verb, its lemma (i.e., its FIRST PRINCIPAL PART) is usually listed in its uncontracted form in a lexicon or glossary. For example:
- αἱρέω grab
- ἐρωτάω ask
- δηλόω show
As we will see, contract verbs follow predictable rules for contractions and accents, and conjugate in a stable fashion.