gemara: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Specialized/Technical)Formal, Academic, Religious
Quick answer
What does “gemara” mean?
The second part of the Talmud, consisting of a rabbinical commentary and analysis of the Mishnah.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The second part of the Talmud, consisting of a rabbinical commentary and analysis of the Mishnah.
More broadly, refers to the entire Talmudic discussion and learning process centered on Jewish law and tradition. It can symbolize deep, intricate study or commentary in a Jewish religious context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in contexts where it appears (Jewish communities, religious studies).
Connotations
Same in both regions: carries connotations of deep scholarship, religious law, and Jewish intellectual tradition.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general English. Frequency is tied entirely to the presence and activity of Jewish communities and academic departments of religious studies.
Grammar
How to Use “gemara” in a Sentence
NOUN + VERB (The Gemara discusses...)PREP + NOUN (in the Gemara)VERB + NOUN (to study Gemara)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gemara” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form exists. Hypothetical: 'They spent the afternoon gemara-ing the Mishnaic text.']
American English
- [No standard verb form exists. Hypothetical: 'He likes to gemara the weekly portion.']
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form exists.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form exists.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form exists. 'Gemaraic' is occasionally coined.]
American English
- [No standard adjective form exists. 'Gemaraic' is occasionally coined.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and Jewish history departments to refer to this specific component of the Talmud.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of specific religious communities.
Technical
A precise technical term in Jewish law (Halakha) and Talmudic scholarship.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gemara”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gemara”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gemara”
- Misspelling as 'Gamara' or 'Gemarra'. Using it as a general synonym for 'commentary' outside the Jewish context. Mispronouncing the stress on the first syllable (/ˈdʒɛmərə/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. The Talmud is composed of two parts: the Mishnah (the core legal text) and the Gemara (the commentary on it). Often 'Talmud' refers to the combined work.
Traditionally, yes, as it is written in a mix of Hebrew and Aramaic. However, translations and bilingual editions are available for students.
Almost never. It is a highly specialized term specific to Jewish religious scholarship.
Yes, the two main canonical versions are the Babylonian Gemara (Talmud Bavli) and the Jerusalem Gemara (Talmud Yerushalmi), with the Babylonian being more widely studied.
The second part of the Talmud, consisting of a rabbinical commentary and analysis of the Mishnah.
Gemara is usually formal, academic, religious in register.
Gemara: in British English it is pronounced /ɡəˈmɑːrə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡəˈmɑrə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common English idioms use this word. It may appear in phrases like 'the sea of the Gemara' to denote its vastness within Jewish study circles.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GEt More Answers, Rabbi Asks' – the Gemara is where rabbis ask questions and get more answers about the Mishnah.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DIALOGUE or CONVERSATION (the Gemara is structured as a recorded debate). A LAYER of UNDERSTANDING (built upon the foundation of the Mishnah).
Practice
Quiz
What is the Gemara primarily?