amora: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / TechnicalAcademic, Religious, Specialized
Quick answer
What does “amora” mean?
(in Judaism) a scholar of the period from about 200 to 500 CE who contributed to the Gemara.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(in Judaism) a scholar of the period from about 200 to 500 CE who contributed to the Gemara.
A term specifically referring to the Jewish sages whose teachings and discussions form the analytical part of the Talmud. Also used metaphorically to denote a deep, analytical scholar or commentator in a religious or legal context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Carries connotations of deep scholarship, religious authority, and historical analysis within Jewish studies.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse in both regions. Its use is confined to academic theology, religious studies, or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “amora” in a Sentence
[amora] + [verb: taught, argued, commented, said][The teachings/commentary] + [of] + [amora] + [name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amora” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and history departments when discussing the development of the Talmud.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A precise historical term within Jewish studies and theological scholarship.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amora”
- Mispronouncing it with stress on the first syllable (AH-mora).
- Using it as a common noun for any scholar.
- Confusing it with the Tannaim, the earlier group of scholars.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized term from Jewish studies.
Tannaim were the earlier sages (c. 10-220 CE) who compiled the Mishnah. Amoraim (c. 200-500 CE) came later and produced the Gemara, which discusses the Mishnah.
Yes, the plural is 'amoraim' (pronounced /ˌɑːmɔːˈrɑːɪm/), following its Aramaic/Hebrew origin.
Almost certainly not, unless you are engaging in a detailed discussion about Rabbinic Judaism or the history of the Talmud.
(in Judaism) a scholar of the period from about 200 to 500 CE who contributed to the Gemara.
Amora is usually academic, religious, specialized in register.
Amora: in British English it is pronounced /əˈmɔːrə/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈmɔːrə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A More' analytical scholar. An AMORA adds MORE analysis to the Talmudic discussion.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A STRUCTURE (the Amoraim are builders who add layers of commentary to the foundation of the Mishnah).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'amora' most accurately used?