hebrews: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Religious
Quick answer
What does “hebrews” mean?
The plural form of 'Hebrew,' primarily referring to members of an ancient Semitic people and their descendants.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'Hebrew,' primarily referring to members of an ancient Semitic people and their descendants; the Jewish people.
Refers to the Israelites, especially as described in the ancient texts and traditions. In a Christian context, also refers to the title of a New Testament book (The Epistle to the Hebrews).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. Both use the term in historical/religious contexts. The Book of Hebrews is known by the same title.
Connotations
No significant differences in connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both varieties, reserved for specific theological, historical, or academic discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “hebrews” in a Sentence
[the] + Hebrews + [past tense verb] (The Hebrews settled...)[adjective] + Hebrews (ancient Hebrews)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hebrews” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This word is not used as a verb.
American English
- This word is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- This word is not used as an adverb.
American English
- This word is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- This word is not used as a standalone adjective. The adjective is 'Hebrew' (e.g., Hebrew language).
American English
- This word is not used as a standalone adjective. The adjective is 'Hebrew' (e.g., Hebrew scripture).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history, theology, religious studies, and archaeology to refer to the ancient people.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used in discussions about the Bible or ancient history.
Technical
Used in biblical scholarship, historiography of the ancient Near East, and comparative linguistics (e.g., 'Hebrews' vs. 'Hapiru').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hebrews”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hebrews”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hebrews”
- Using 'Hebrews' to refer to modern Jewish people (archaic/possibly offensive).
- Confusing 'Hebrew' (the language) with 'Hebrews' (the people).
- Misspelling as 'Hebreus' or 'Hebrew's'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Hebrews' is a term primarily for the ancient people, the early Israelites. 'Jews' is the term for the people descended from them, especially after the Babylonian exile, and is the standard modern term. Using 'Hebrews' for contemporary Jewish people is archaic and can be inappropriate.
It is a book in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Its authorship is uncertain, and it is a lengthy letter arguing for the supremacy of Christ, using extensive references to the Old Testament and Jewish priesthood.
They spoke Ancient Hebrew, a Northwest Semitic language, which is the ancestor of the modern Hebrew language revived in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Because it can imply that Jewish people are a historical artefact rather than a living people and culture. It can also be associated with certain outdated or supersessionist theological views that contrast 'old' Hebrews with 'new' Christians.
The plural form of 'Hebrew,' primarily referring to members of an ancient Semitic people and their descendants.
Hebrews is usually formal, academic, religious in register.
Hebrews: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhiːbruːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhibruːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no common idioms using the word 'Hebrews'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HE Brews' tea while reading an ancient text about the HEBREWs.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often framed as THE ANCIENT ROOT/ANCESTORS (e.g., 'the Hebrews are considered the ancestors of modern Jewish people').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Hebrews' most appropriately used today?