manasseh
C1Formal, Literary, Historical, Theological
Definition
Meaning
Primarily a proper noun, the name of a son of Joseph in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and of a later king of Judah.
When not referring to the specific biblical figure, it can be used as a given name (for a male) or, rarely, in historical or literary contexts to refer to a descendant of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This word is almost exclusively a proper noun (name). Its use outside of biblical, historical, or onomastic contexts is exceedingly rare. It is not a common noun in contemporary English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Pronunciation follows standard regional patterns for the letter 'a'.
Connotations
The same biblical/historical connotations exist in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, appearing primarily in religious or academic texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Proper Noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(no common idioms)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, and biblical studies contexts.
Everyday
Very rare; typically only in discussions of the Bible or as a personal name.
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside specific historical/religious scholarship.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is a story about Manasseh.
- Manasseh was a king.
- In the Bible, King Manasseh did many things that were wrong.
- The tribe of Manasseh settled on both sides of the Jordan River.
- Despite his lengthy reign, Manasseh is often remembered for his initial idolatry and subsequent repentance.
- Archaeological evidence related to the period of Manasseh is complex and debated by scholars.
- The theological narrative presents Manasseh's reign as the archetypal cause for Judah's later exile, emphasising the consequences of covenantal failure.
- The historical assessment of Manasseh's rule has shifted, with some modern historians viewing his long tenure as a period of political stability and Assyrian vassalage.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Manasseh: The king who forgot (MAN-A-SAY) his faith, but later said, 'I'm A Sorry' (Manasseh).
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Proper Noun)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the Russian word "манассия" which is a direct transliteration; it is not a common noun with a separate meaning.
- Ensure correct transliteration when writing in Cyrillic: Манассия.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a manasseh of people').
- Misspelling: Manassah, Manaseh.
- Mispronouncing the final syllable as /-eɪ/ instead of /-ə/.
Practice
Quiz
In what primary context is the word 'Manasseh' used in English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency proper noun, primarily encountered in biblical, historical, or religious contexts.
No, it is exclusively a proper noun (a name). It does not have standard verb or adjective forms in contemporary English.
It is spelled with a double 's' and ends with 'eh', not 'ah'.
It is included due to its significance in foundational texts of Western culture (the Bible) and its established use as a personal name in English-speaking countries.