hallel
LowReligious, Formal
Definition
Meaning
A group of psalms of praise (Psalms 113-118) recited in Jewish liturgy on festive occasions.
More broadly, can refer to any song or hymn of praise, particularly in a religious context.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a Jewish liturgical term, rarely used in general English discourse. It is a proper noun referring to a specific liturgical unit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None; the term is used identically within Jewish communities in both regions.
Connotations
Specifically Jewish religious connotation. No secular or alternative connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; only encountered in discussions of Judaism or comparative liturgy.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The hallel (subject) is recited (verb).They recite (verb) the hallel (object).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, or historical contexts discussing Jewish liturgy.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific liturgical term in Jewish religious practice.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The congregation will hallel on the first day of Pesach.
American English
- The community halleled during the morning service.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The hallel psalms are particularly uplifting.
American English
- We read the Hallel portion of the prayer book.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We sing songs at the festival.
- During the holiday, there are special prayers of thanksgiving.
- The Hallel is a sequence of psalms recited on Jewish festivals like Passover.
- Liturgical scholars debate the historical development of the Hallel and its thematic structure.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Hallelujah' – 'Hallel' is the shorter, specific set of praise psalms that inspire such exclamations.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRAISE IS AN UPLIFTING SONG; CELEBRATION IS MUSIC.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'allel' or other similar sounds; it is a specific proper noun. There is no direct common Russian equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a hallel' is incorrect; it's 'the Hallel').
- Misspelling as 'hallelu' or 'hallelujah'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'Hallel' primarily?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialized religious term confined to Jewish liturgical context.
'Hallel' refers to a specific set of psalms (113-118). 'Hallelujah' (meaning 'praise God') is a word derived from Hebrew that appears in many of these psalms and is used more widely.
On major Jewish festivals like Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot, Hanukkah, and Rosh Chodesh (the new moon).
In very specific religious jargon, it can be used to mean 'to recite the Hallel,' but this is highly uncommon in general English.